By: Emma Marejka and Joanna Martin

Trent University
Purpose
To improve womens experiences of using the harm reduction services
at PARN.

Population and Setting

Women who use harm reduction services or have in the past 2 years
in Peterborough and the 4 counties (including Fourcast, Peterborough
AIDS Resource Network, Port Hope Community Health Centre, City of
Kawartha Lakes Community Health Centre).
Upon further literature research, we discovered that this particular
population experiences the disadvantages of gender inequality as
well as feelings of oppression due to lack of voice they have in the
community about the services they use, in particular, healthcare and
harm reduction.
We conducted our research at a kitchen table session located at
PARN. PARN is located on 159 King Street, Peterborough.

Methods
A handbill was designed that provided answers to who, what, when,
where, why questions in a clear and concise manner. The handbill
was distributed through the harm reduction cupboard to women
who came in to use the services (Completed in February 2015).
When women came in to use harm reduction services, we would
briefly talk to them about the kitchen table discussion if they had
time and answered any questions that they might have (Completed
in February 2015).
In the February 2015 edition of the PARN newsletter, information
about the event was highlighted in order to reach out to participants.
A kitchen table discussion was held for the purpose of delving deeper
into the issues facing our primary audience. At this discussion, we
provided food and gift cards to participants (Completed in February
2015).

Outcomes
From the participants, we were able to draw themes that these women
identified as major life stressors. These include:
Housing: long waitlists, family separation in order to go into
shelters or rooming houses, lack of affordable housing
Childrens safety: difficult home environments, concerns
regarding mothers past affecting childrens future, selfperceived unfair treatment by Childrens Aid Society
Treatment by service providers: Issues with confidentiality
and trust, feelings of stigmatization and oppression
We also learned that the participants were able to recognize gaps in
services provided and needs that are not currently being met. These
include:
Too much focus on the general population of women and not
enough focus on the individual person
Service providers need to be more accessible and provide
more one-on-one care
Creation of tools to get education and support
Individual counseling or walk-in/drop-in centres for support
for women available at a variety of times

Significant Discovery
It was determined that women who use injection drugs feel pressured
by service providers to make a life change. When women go to make the
change however, they feel that there are not enough services available
to help and support them.

Potential Next Steps

A survey of service providers intended to better determine the services
that currently exist in our community for our primary audience.
A memorandum of understanding intended to strengthen the
commitment service providers have to providing timely and accessible
services to our primary audience.