What is the Program?

The Mail Out Distribution Program is a service offered through the Safe Works Access Program (SWAP), based at the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACNL). The Mail Out Distribution Program is a needle and syringe distribution program designed to provide harm reduction materials and education to people in rural and remote areas of Newfoundland by sending the material and information through the mail. The program also facilitates referrals to local services for clients in rural and remote areas. SWAP, including the Mail Out Distribution Program, has three primary goals:

• to reduce the incidence of drug related health harms, including HIV and hepatitis C transmission
• to promote and facilitate referral to primary healthcare and addiction/mental health services
• to increase public awareness of harm reduction principles, policies, and programs

In addition to its support and education for clients, ACNL staff from the St. John’s and Corner Brook sites have also begun to provide harm reduction trainings and education to service providers in rural and remote areas to enable stronger partnerships with local service providers and better referral opportunities for people who use drugs.