One City and Peterborough Public Health Thrilled To Launch Our Healthbox

Peterborough has faced mounting challenges with housing and drug poisoning crises, where statistics and impacts are on the rise.

Amid these pressing issues, numerous agencies and individuals are tirelessly working towards positive change. One City and Peterborough Public Health are deeply committed to enhancing community safety, particularly for their neighbors living outdoors or using substances, and those affected by societal stigma.

With this in mind, we are excited to be bringing Our Healthbox to Peterborough!

Peterborough Public Health has long supported harm reduction efforts, collaborating with the Four Counties Needle Exchange Coalition over 25 years ago to establish a needle exchange program. Today, they manage the local NEP with operational support from Peterborough AIDS Resource Network.

In 2013, they initiated the Peterborough Overdose Prevention Program, distributing naloxone to at-risk community members even before it became widely available under the Ontario Naloxone Program. Peterborough Public Health continues to promote naloxone training, distribution, and administration while advocating for drug poisoning crisis awareness across the province.

One City Peterborough, founded in 2019, focuses on supporting individuals who have experienced homelessness or criminalization, striving for their full inclusion in the community. Recently relocated to Trinity Community Centre, One City now hosts a harm reduction space with minimal barriers, providing essential supplies like naloxone, safer use equipment, and hygiene products.

Together, Peterborough Public Health and One City are embarking on an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing community safety and inclusivity.

Our Healthbox represents a significant step forward in empowering community members to manage their health and well-being without fear of judgment or stigma often encountered in traditional service settings. Despite the presence of supportive agencies in our community, there remain gaps in meeting complex needs, particularly due to systemic barriers around substance use. Our Healthbox aims to bridge these gaps by providing an anonymous, user-friendly platform offering access to health supplies and services.

In Peterborough, individuals who use substances often face exclusion and stigma, hindering their access to critical resources like shelter and housing. One City and Peterborough Public Health are committed to challenging these harmful narratives through initiatives such as Our Healthbox.

Operating beyond traditional hours, Our Healthbox fills a crucial gap by providing after-hours access to essential health and harm reduction supplies, addressing a longstanding community need.

Excitement surrounds the introduction of Our Healthbox in Peterborough and its partnership with REACH Nexus at MAP and other participating communities nationwide. By collecting real-time data, Our Healthbox enables proactive responses to evolving community needs and facilitates the integration of evidence-based practices.

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About the Organizations and Authors

One City Peterborough is a nonprofit charitable organization formed in 2019, combining Warming Room Community Ministries and Peterborough Reintegration Services. Built on the belief that everyone belongs and flourishes together, One City works to create stability and increase wellness. One City focuses on community collaboration to promote housing, safety, and social inclusion in Peterborough by addressing immediate needs, breaking down barriers, and advocating for systemic change. Visit One City to learn more.

Peterborough Public Health serves residents throughout the City and County of Peterborough, as well as Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations. Guided by the Ontario Public Health Standards, Peterborough Public Health offers programs and services to promote and protect community health, emphasizing upstream health causes and striving for equity. Visit Peterborough Public Health to learn more.

Christian Harvey (he/him) is the Executive Director of One City Peterborough, dedicated to building a community where everyone belongs and flourishes. He supports individuals who have experienced homelessness or criminalization through housing, supportive programming, and employment. Christian is a public educator, community builder, and music enthusiast.

Dr. Thomas Piggott (he/him) is a family physician, public health specialist, and the current MOH/CEO of Peterborough Public Health. Actively involved in developing public health guidelines and promoting health equity, Dr. Piggott brings extensive experience from various levels of public health in Canada and internationally. Beyond work, he enjoys being a devoted father and outdoor sports enthusiast.