Substance Overdose Prevention & Education Network (SOPEN)

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? JOIN SOPEN! Our volunteer onboarding process has changed slightly, but we’re always ready to welcome passionate, community-focused volunteers to our team! Feel free to dm us with any questions, or head to the link in our bio to apply!

⚠️ DRUG ALERT ⚠️ The drug supply continues to be toxic and unpredictable. Recent drug checking data from Toronto found high levels of contamination in expected fentanyl samples, including benzodiazepine-related substances and medetomidine. Community reporting also continues to highlight complex drug poisonings and multiple repeat overdoses within short periods of time. There were 40 paramedic responses this past week, representing an increase from the previous week. If using substances: • Avoid using alone • Start low and go slow • Carry naloxone • Test your drugs when possible • Use with someone you trust or call NORS at 1-888-688-6677 Take care of each other and stay connected to harm reduction services. ❤️ . . . #drugchecking #drugalert #hamont #sopenhamilton #harmreduction

We were grateful to join the Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week BBQ today! 🌿💛 Thank you to everyone who stopped by the SOPEN table to connect, learn more about harm reduction, and chat with our team. We’re always appreciative of opportunities to be part of community spaces that recognize the connection between mental health, substance use, and compassionate care. #MentalHealthWeek #HarmReduction #sopenhamilton #CommunityCare #CMHA

CMHA Mental Health Week BBQ with SOPEN💓✨

Restock alert 🚨 “Every overdose death is a policy failure” shirts are back. At the same time, we are seeing the impact of SCS closures in real time: opioid-related EMS calls are rising sharply across Ontario, including here in Hamilton. When evidence-based care is removed, overdose deaths increase. SCSs are evidence-based, life-saving public health interventions. #SaveOurSites #OverdosePrevention #sopenhamilton #HarmReductionSavesLives #HamOnt

Huge thank you to everyone who supported our Socks & Snacks Drive 💛 Your donations and support make a real difference in our community. We appreciate each and every one of you who showed up and gave back. #CommunityCare #sopenhamilton #MutualAid #hamont #mcmaster

🚨 DRUG ALERT 🚨 Toxic, unpredictable drug supply- fentanyl is being found with medetomidine, benzos, and other unknown substances. ⚠️ Increased risk of prolonged sedation, overdose, and serious harm. 🛑 Stay safer: • Don’t use alone • Start low, go slow • Test your supply • Carry naloxone • Call NORS: 1-888-688-6677 #HarmReduction #DrugAlert #OverdosePrevention #sopenhamilton #hamont

🚨 DRUG ALERT 🚨 The current drug supply is increasingly toxic and unpredictable. Recent reports show rising opioid poisonings, with new and unknown contaminants being detected. Symptoms being reported include seizures, prolonged sedation, psychosis, vomiting, and sweating. What you can do: • Don’t use alone • Start low, go slow • Test your supply when possible • Carry naloxone • Call NORS (1-888-688-6677) if using alone We are seeing increases in paramedic responses and suspected deaths. Please take extra care and check in on your community. 💛

Next Queerly Yours on deck 🫶✨ . Heads up: we will be discussing self harm-related experiences during this group, so please consider whether this event / the topic is within your capacity at this time. With that being said, we know that capacity can change so if on the day of you are not feeling up to it , you can reach out for a refund. And if you’re not able to make this event for whatever reason, you’re welcome to reach out to me and I can send you the info and resources that are shared during the group ✨ . We will have a resource list made available for attendees. As always, we will have snacks, beverages and art supplies available. And, we will have a quiet room / space available in case anyone is needing a break. . Our zine library is up and running - if you ever want to contribute zines to the zine library , you’re always welcome to drop them off or send them my way to be printed and distributed 💗 zines give us a way to communicate and share info with one another , let this be your invitation to share the info you’re wanting to share - whether that be about a special interest, resources, social justice movements, or general good vibes!

RCFs already discriminate against vulnerable populations, including people who use drugs pushing them out, restricting access, and making housing conditional on abstinence. Expanding or relying on this model will only push people further to the margins. Where are people supposed to go? When housing isn’t low-barrier, harm reduction-informed, and rooted in human rights, it becomes another form of exclusion, especially for people who use drugs and other vulnerable communities. We need real housing solutions. Not systems that deepen harm.

Big thank you to McMaster Social Work students 💛 Your support and generosity mean so much! This is community care in action. We’re so grateful for you ✨ #HarmReduction #sopenhamilton #CommunityCare #hamont #mcmaster

Every dollar = more supplies, more outreach, more lives supported. We’re on the ground providing harm reduction, overdose prevention, and care. Help us keep showing up for our community. Donate if you can 🧡 E-transfer [email protected] #outreach #mutualaid #sopenhamilton #hamont #communitycare