SafeLink Alberta

SafeLink Alberta is an organization that works to reduce the risks associated with sexual activity and substance use. We serve and advocate for priority populations in Calgary and southern Alberta by providing education, non-judgemental services, and harm reduction programming.

Since 1983, we have been committed to supporting those affected by HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

Services
At SafeLink Alberta, human experience forms the core of what we do.
We offer services through an evidence-based harm reduction framework and philosophy, focusing on prevention, education, and support in response to HIV, the transmission of STBBIs, and substance use.

As change-makers with a wealth of collective knowledge, experience, and expertise, we work to see every client as a person rather than a statistic and to forge a path towards connection and empowerment as the foundation of healthy communities. Though that is what we do, we also prioritize empathy and understanding in how we reach these goals.

Regardless of circumstance, we recognize that each individual is a person first and that all people have a right to equitable health care and support. We do not make light of heavy burdens; rather, we make those burdens lighter by helping to carry those of the people we serve.

Calgary Support Services
The following support services are provided for our priority populations at our Calgary office:

Drop-in services:

• Safer consumption supplies
• Safer sex supplies
• Naloxone kits
• Basic food and hygiene supplies
• Information and referrals
• Advocacy to address barriers to service

Peer Support:

• Peer support (individual and group programs) for people living with HIV
• Peer support (group based) for sex workers, including a group for trans sex workers

Case Management:

• Comprehensive and individualized support services
• Engage clients in the development of a service plan
• Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and education
• Coordinate a network of services on behalf of clients by bridging communication gaps between clients and service providers, attending and/or arranging case conferences, and accompanying clients to appointments as appropriate.
• Referrals and facilitation of access to treatment and recovery programs

Outreach services:

• Our team can be found throughout the downtown core several days a week providing harm reduction supplies and supports

Education:

• See the website for more information on our free training courses

Medicine Hat Support Services
The following support services are provided for our priority populations at our Medicine Hat office:

Drop-in services:

• Safer consumption supplies
• Safer sex supplies
• Naloxone kits
• Basic food and hygiene supplies
• Information and referrals
• Advocacy to address barriers to service

Peer Support:

• Peer support (individual level) for people who use substances

Case Management:

• Comprehensive and individualized support services
• Engage clients in the development of a service plan
• Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and education
• Coordinate a network of services on behalf of clients by bridging communication gaps between clients and service providers, attending and/or arranging case conferences, and accompanying clients to appointments as appropriate.
• Referrals and facilitation of access to treatment and recovery programs

Outreach services:

• Our team can be found throughout the downtown core several days a week providing harm reduction supplies and supports
• Needle debris clean up and response

Education:

• See the Training page for more information

Translation Services
SafeLink Alberta has both the internal capacity to deliver services in French if a client or community member requests, as well as the ability to access external translation services to assist with communication as required.

SafeLink Alberta will support translation services to members of Indigenous and African, Caribbean, and Black communities as needed, as these are key demographics within our direct client services.