Working to Improve Neighbourhood Safety (WINS) Project

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services, Sanguen Health Centre and the City of Cambridge are pleased to announce the launch of the Working to Improve Neighbourhood Safety (WINS) project.

WINS is a pilot-project where Peer Workers proactively search for and dispose of harm reduction supplies, such as needles and syringes. Peer Workers will be trained to also provide education about safe disposal and, when possible, connect those who use with programs designed to help them discover positive outcomes.

Peer Workers are passionate individuals who have lived experience with substance use and are motivated to make a positive impact in the community. Sanguen Health Centre will hire, train and supervise all Peer Workers.

“Employing those who have seen the impacts of substance abuse will be beneficial to both the community and the Peer Workers themselves,” says Violet Umanetz, Manager of Outreach at Sanguen Health Centre.

Improper needle disposal occurs across the Region. An opportunity was identified to pilot the project in the City of Cambridge.

“The pilot WINS project is an innovative approach and partnership,” says Dennis Purcell, Chief Building Official at the City of Cambridge. “The peer workers with WINS will augment the City of Cambridge’s current efforts to address needle debris clean up. We believe that the unique perspective of the peer workers and the peer outreach component will be invaluable as we work together to ensure the safety and health of our community.”

Grace Bermingham, Manager of Information, Planning and Harm Reduction at the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services believes this project will be an opportunity for our region to explore a new strategy that has proven successful in other areas.

“What we learn through this pilot, can potentially help needle recovery efforts in other areas of the Region. We are excited to partner with Sanguen and the City of Cambridge on this innovative project.”

The WINS project will be evaluated after one-year to understand its effectiveness.

If you find a needle, please check http://bit.ly/2Fj5kMu to find out what to do next. Visit http://sanguen.com/outreach-program/the-wins-project/ for more information about the WINS project.

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Media contact: Ryan Spiteri, Communications Coordinator, Health Communications, rspiteri@regionofwaterloo.ca  519-575-4400 ext. 2244