Three outreach programs in Westman will receive almost $1.1 million in federal funding for harm-reduction efforts aimed at addressing the overdose crisis.
Part of the funds will be used to purchase and outfit a van in Brandon and one in the Dauphin area to provide mobile outreach.
“This is really important for our community,” City of Brandon community housing and wellness co-ordinator Shannon Saltarelli said Tuesday.
“Rather than expecting somebody who’s struggling with addiction and experiencing homelessness to walk in the door of a service provider, it’s always better to come to them.”
The van will visit places where people are at risk of overdose, including encampments and shelters.
“This is not a safe consumption mobile clinic,” Saltarelli said. “It is a supportive outreach where