This presentation will provide an overview of the Safer Supply Ottawa program, as well as the results of a research project conducted in spring/summer 2024. This project was a mixed methods study involving surveys and interviews with Safer Stimulant Supply program participants. This topic was selected given the limited research currently available on the topic of Safer Stimulant Supply programs. Our goal was to better understand participant outcomes and complete a more in-depth exploration of the impact of Safer Stimulant Supply programs from the perspective of participants. Ongoing evaluation and research focusing on substance use and related programs were deemed to be essential given the worsening drug poisoning crisis.

Speakers from the University of Ottawa, School of Nursing:

Marlene Haines, RN, PhD
Athena Tefoglou, RN

Marlene Haines RN PhD is a researcher and nurse practitioner student in the School of Nursing at the University of Ottawa. Her program of research focuses on the drug poisoning crisis, harm reduction, and drug policy. She also has clinical expertise in safer supply programs, injectable opioid agonist therapy, and working with individuals who use substances as well as those who are homeless or unstably housed.

Athena Tefoglou is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student at the University of Ottawa. She is a Registered Practical Nurse currently working in safer supply research, program development and acute care. Her working experience includes outpost nursing and community care nursing using a harm reduction lens.