Brantford Brant Safer Opioid Supply (BBSOS)

Through this program, BBSOS clients receive prescriptions for pharmaceutical opioids to reduce their use of the toxic street supply of drugs. The BBSOS program is part of a harm reduction approach to care, and is focused on supporting clients to reach their own goals.

BBSOS clients are able to access a variety of additional services, including: primary health care, peer support, appointment accompaniment, harm reduction education, drop-in programming/groups, and connections to other services at GRCHC and in the community (ex. counselling). 

The BBSOS program is offered with support from the Substance Use and Addictions Program (Health Canada). 

 BBSOS Program Principles

The BBSOS program is guided by the following principles in practice: 

  • Participant led and collaborative care delivery;
  • Accessible/low-barrier care;
  • Non-punitive approach; and
  • Trauma-informed, Inclusive practice.

BBSOS Eligibility (Who can access this program?)

Participants in the BBSOS program should meet the following criteria: 

  • Daily or near-daily use of street opioids;
  • reside in Brantford, Brant County, or Six Nations; and 
  • must be able to meet with BBSOS clinical staff on a fairly regular basis.

Additional criteria are also considered. New participants will meet with a program RN or NP to discuss individual circumstances prior to entry to the BBSOS program. 

 BBSOS Program Resources
How to Participate

**Due to the large volume of BBSOS Program referrals received registration for the program is currently closed. This message will be updated once the referral waitlist is reopened. Thank you for your interest in the program.

Print the BBSOS referral form below, or pick-up a form from the front desk at Grand River Community Health Centre (363 Colborne St. Brantford, ON). A guide outlining the BBSOS referral process can be found here.

BBSOS Referral Form

Send all completed referrals to the BBSOS team by:

  • Email (BBSOS@grchc.ca);
  • Fax (519-754-0757) ATTN: Safer Opioid Supply; or
  • Drop-off at the GRCHC front desk.

Please note, incomplete referrals will not be accepted. We currently have limited capacity, referrals will be triaged on a case-by-case basis.

Meet the BBSOS Team

Lauren is the Nurse Practitioner with our team; with a broad background in a variety of fields including emergency medicine and sexual health. Her favorite thing to do is hike with her two dogs Abby and Sally.

Katharine is the Program Manager for BBSOS; her work background includes harm reduction, mental health, youth education and 2SLGBTQ+ health. Katharine loves to travel, hike, and enjoys curling in her spare time. 

Travis is a Registered Nurse with our team; he has work experience in emergency medicine and harm reduction. In his free time, Travis enjoys being outside, travelling, and listening to music.

Shawna is a Peer Worker with the BBSOS team and a community advocate. She enjoys spending time with family and all of her cats at home!

Bailey is an Administrative Assistant for the BBSOS program. Bailey's experience is in residential work, mental health and addictions. She likes crafts, traveling, and is a proud cat mum.