Leadership changes in N.B. harm reduction sector

Saint John harm reduction agency, Avenue B, has a new executive director at the helm, who says there is a need to expand their services in the new year.

While there are many details to work out, Laura MacNeill says one of the main barriers is finding a suitable location.

“We hope to open an overdose prevention site much like they have at Ensemble in Moncton,” she said.

“There’s a great need in Saint John here to help people do what they’re going to do anyway but do it in a safer manner.”

Ensemble, which runs the province’s only overdose prevention site, will also soon have new leadership after former executive director, Debby Warren’s retirement.

Trending Now

She says her organization has seen a changing clientele over the years — with additional needs.

“We’re serving a lot of people in their 20s which is new for us,” she said.

For more on this story, watch the video above.