Welcome
Mainline, a program of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, is a health promotion organization dedicated to supporting people who use substances through harm reduction programs.
For over 30 years, Mainline has been a vital resource in the Halifax North End community. It remains a user-directed organization grounded in the principles of harm reduction and a “Nothing About Us Without Us” philosophy. Former substance users helping current substance users with compassion, kindness, humility and love.
We acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) People first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
Our Services
- Needles, syringes, sterile water, cookers, matches, filters, ties, condoms, stems, meth pipes.
- Safe disposal of used needles.
- Fentanyl test strips and Naloxone kits.
- Awareness and education related to harm reduction, particularly safer injection and safer practices.
- Peer support, including assistance with exploring and accessing detox, treatment, methadone.
- Assistance in locating and navigating resources for legal, social services, employment and housing issues.
- Over the counter nutrition as available.
We Believe…
That each client is unique, valuable and vital in contributing to our program.
Through the commitment, respect and dedication of our clients, we are able to maintain our mission and uphold our values.
That clients deserve our respect.
That by helping clients, we help ourselves. To own our past directs the future relationships with clients and among staff.
That clients should be supported even if they make choices we wouldn’t make personally. This is how we describe our organization and programs as client-centered.
That “no questions asked” creates a comfortable, safe and friendly environment for staff and clients. This will promote an atmosphere of trust. Through this process we contribute to meaningful and trusting relationships.
That people who use drugs or engage in other forms of risk-taking behaviours are capable of change. We support our community members in those efforts to make that change.
That support and education is very important for people engaging in and affected by risky behaviours.
We will…
Inform clients of the nature of the relationship with them as well as the limitations of that relationship.
Protect the integrity and welfare of the clients at all times by not engaging in spreading gossip.
Recognize that dual or multiple relationships may increase the risk of harm to the clients and may impair a professional judgment.