In partnership with the REACH Nexus research group, part of the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has launched a three-year pilot project to provide free and anonymous access to health and harm reduction products through Our Health Box dispensers .

Our Health Box dispensers provide a variety of items free of charge, without the need for ID or an appointment: HIV self-tests, pregnancy tests, condoms, naloxone kits, drug testing kits, and other health and wellness supplies. These interactive machines also provide access to health information and a directory of local services to help users connect with needed health support services.

This initiative aims to reduce access barriers for residents by placing health supplies in easily accessible locations. It also strengthens the GNWT's public health efforts to address various challenges, such as the syphilis outbreak, the illicit drug crisis, and poor access to sexual and reproductive health supplies. Our Health Box

machines are available in Behchokǫ̀ and Hay River, and will be installed in Inuvik and Yellowknife in the coming weeks. The content of each machine will be tailored to the community and regularly updated, using data and feedback, to meet local needs.

These machines also serve to promote the 811 Health Info Line, available 24/7 to answer non-urgent health questions, provide advice on using available resources, and direct callers to appropriate local services when needed. The Our Health Box

machines installed in the Northwest Territories will join the 15 others available across Canada in communities in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick. To learn more about this initiative, please visit www.ourhealthbox.ca .

Quotes

“ Our Health Box is one way we are responding to public health issues in the Northwest Territories, including the syphilis outbreak, the illicit drug crisis, and the lack of access to essential health items without difficulty or stigma. Everyone should be able to take care of their health safely, confidentially, and respectfully. This initiative meets people where they live and breaks down barriers.”
                      - Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services

“We are pleased to introduce Our Health Box to the Northwest Territories; this initiative represents a step forward in helping residents get what they need to take care of their health. Access to basic health items should not vary based on who you are or where you live. Our Health Box is about removing barriers while demonstrating compassion and promoting dignity.” By ensuring free and discreet access to essential items, we are empowering everyone to take control of their health, without fear or shame. Let's build trust and a more inclusive future, one community at a time."
                      - Dr. Sean B. Rourke, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Director of the REACH Nexus Research Group, and Scientist with the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto

Quick Facts

• The Our Health Box initiative provides free and confidential access to essential health and harm reduction items.
• The vending machines are available to any resident of the community, without the need to present identification or make an appointment.
• The initiative supports the GNWT's response to public health issues in the Northwest Territories, including the syphilis outbreak, the illicit drug crisis, and the lack of access to essential health items without difficulty or stigma.
• The contents of each vending machine will be tailored to the needs of the community. These may include HIV self-tests, pregnancy tests, condoms, naloxone kits, drug testing kits, and other health and wellness supplies.
• Using these vending machines is simple, secure and completely anonymous.
• The vending machines are accessible at all times and all items found there are free.
• The vending machines are located at the following locations:
  • At the Behchokǫ̀ Sports Complex;
  • At the Hay River Community Centre;
  • At the Yellowknife Public Library.
• Inuvik will also receive two vending machines, which will be installed at the airport and the Midnight Sun complex respectively later this month.
• The Our Health Box initiative is part of a national research program led by REACH Nexus, which is affiliated with the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto). REACH Nexus is an ambitious national research group working on ways to treat HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Canada.

Media representatives are asked to contact:
Andrew Wind,
Communications Manager,
Department of Health and Social Services,
Government of the Northwest Territories
hssmedia@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9052, ext. 49036

Andrew Russell,
Senior Communications Specialist, REACH Nexus,
St. Michael’s Hospital MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions
andrew.russell@unityhealth.to
416-268-7642