Community-Based Opioid Treatment Program
Direction 180 is a non-profit community-based opioid treatment program located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Our mission is to reduce the inherent risks associated with opioid use disorder.
Background & Approach
Direction 180 has operated as a program of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre since 2001. Founded on the principles of harm reduction, it was the first low-threshold community based opioid treatment program in Atlantic Canada.
Direction 180 recognizes that substance use and recovery often depend on many social determinants of health, including housing, mental health, income, social support networks, and education.
We equally respect people in our program who choose abstinence or harm reduction, and offer services tailored to help improve individuals’ quality of life, mental health, and physical health.
Programs & Services
Direction 180 provides opioid agonist treatment (OAT), such as methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone, medical monitoring, blood borne pathogen testing and treatment, vaccines, naloxone, peer support, counselling, programming, advocacy, and referrals to other health and social services.
Direction 180 operates ReFix, an overdose prevention site (OPS). Direction 180 and ReFix provide naloxone (intramuscular and intranasal) education, training, and take-home kits.
