Mapping needles, reducing harm: Findings from a geospatial, community-based needle collection and naloxone training initiative in Saskatchewan, Canada

Harm Reduct J. 2026 Jun 4. doi: 10.1186/s12954-026-01477-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The opioid crisis is a major public health issue in Canada, with prairie provinces such as Saskatchewan experiencing particularly high rates of opioid-related harms. Factors contributing to this crisis include an unstable drug supply, limited access to harm reduction services, and structural challenges such as poverty and housing instability. The rise of fentanyl has further exacerbated overdose risks, particularly among people who use drugs. Harm reduction programs, such as opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution, have proven effective in reducing overdose fatalities and improving community health. While geospatial analysis has shown promise in identifying areas of high need for targeted harm reduction interventions, its integration into harm reduction strategies remains underexplored.

METHODS: This study utilized data from 44 participants who completed pop-up naloxone training sessions in Regina, Saskatchewan, between August 2023 and September 2024. Data sources include geospatial information on discarded needles from the ReportNeedles.ca platform and survey responses evaluating opioid overdose and naloxone administration using a modified Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale. Naloxone training sessions were targeted to areas with a high number of discarded needles determined by the ReportNeedles.ca platform. Geospatial analyses were conducted using ArcGIS to map needle prevalence and assess the accessibility of harm reduction services based on walk-time buffers.

RESULTS: Between August 2023 and August 2024, 315 reports on ReportNeedles.ca led to the disposal of 2,836 needles. Geospatial analysis revealed clustering of discarded needles in Regina’s city center, with some seasonal variation. Pop-up training sites expanded the accessibility of naloxone services, with 70% of participants reporting living within a 15-minute walk to pop-up Naloxone trainings. However, geospatial analysis revealed gaps in service accessibility specifically in suburban areas. Participants in pop-up naloxone trainings demonstrated strong knowledge of overdose recognition and naloxone administration.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates potential benefit in integrating geospatial analysis with harm reduction interventions to address the opioid crisis. By identifying needle prevalence hotspots and utilizing pop-up naloxone training, service providers can improve service accessibility.

PMID:42243810 | DOI:10.1186/s12954-026-01477-z