Bert: Engaging in harm reduction with dignity
Bert* has been a Casey House client since January 2023. He learned about our hospital when his friends were receiving medicine and became curious about our harm reduction kits. At his request, a friend introduced him to a welcoming staff member, then he learned about our supervised consumption services (SCS) during an intake interview with a harm reduction worker. Bert was excited to learn about supervised inhalation since he does not want to create unsafe situations by inhaling substances in washrooms or public parks with children around. As someone who is self-medicating his chronic conditions, he does not like the public’s stigmatizing perceptions about people who use substances.
Bert identifies the staff team’s exceptional quality of care as being a major asset unique to Casey House. Bert feels confident that if he overdosed while being monitored that a staff member would help him reverse it. Additionally, he appreciates the organization’s strong emphasis on non-judgmental care for people who do not plan on becoming sober, and the peace of mind that if someone did want to stop using substances our team would be there to work with them to develop a game plan.
Bert feels Casey House staff really meet clients where they are in their health care journeys. In addition to accessing the SCS, he was pleasantly surprised to learn from a social worker about other outpatient offerings, including housing, ID, and income tax support services. Bert was touched to be treated with dignity, and genuine interest by our staff, in an unpatronizing manner. This made him feel more empowered.
With Casey House’s outpatient services closed on weekends, Bert tries to reduce his usage those days and tries to use discretely when in public. He misses having comfortable access to Casey House’s SCS at these times. Even simple amenities like a clean washroom elevate his experience here, especially when the effects of different substances may necessitate it. Casey House staff have introduced Bert to additional outpatient programs, like lunch, harm reduction kit-making, and recreational therapy activities like movies, and group outings to attractions. When Bert participates in these programs, he feels a stronger sense of belonging. And the opportunity to be inside provides a crucial haven from harsh weather, like the cold.
Bert does wish we could extend SCS operational hours into the night and during the weekends. During times when it is closed people who use substances may find themselves using in risky conditions where they could overdose alone. He also suggests Casey House host social events for people who use substances to increase community awareness and engagement. Overall, Bert is pleased to have a private space where he can inhale safely with the medical and supportive care of Casey House staff.
*Bert is a pseudonym for a client who wishes to be identified by the initials B.S.