People who use drugs with used equipment are at greater risk of contracting certain sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), such as hepatitis B and C and HIV. Distributing new consumer equipment to people who use drugs encourages them to adopt safer practices and reduces the risk of catching or spreading STBBIs.
Injection equipment access centres (CAMIs)
Safe drug use equipment is available at injection equipment access centres (CAMI). This includes, among other things:
- Syringes
- Sterile water
- Filters
- Cookers (containers for dissolving and heating drugs)
- Pipes and straws
- Sharps disposal containers
Injection equipment access centres (CAMIs) are places where people who use drugs can obtain new injection equipment anonymously.
CAMIs may be found in various locations:
- Pharmacies
- Local community services centres (CLSCs)
- Hospital centres
- Clinics
- Family medicine groups (GMFs)
- Drug addiction rehabilitation centres
- Community organizations
Injection equipment access centres (CAMIs)'s logo
A logo helps identify resources that provide access to safe drug use equipment. It consists of a black square that displays a red and white syringe on two circular arrows, one red and the other white.
Other services provided by CAMIs
In addition to providing sterile drug-use equipment, most CAMIs collect used syringes.
Some CAMIs also provide additional services:
- Condom distribution
- Access to care and treatment
- Information and education
- Listening and support
- Vaccines against STBBIs
- STBBI screening
- Referral to specialized STBBI and drug addiction resources
Eligibility
Safe drug use equipment is available to everyone. People who wish to obtain drug injection equipment do not need to register anywhere, consult someone to get a referral or have a Québec health insurance card.
However, individuals under the age of 14 must meet with a healthcare professional in order to access new consumption equipment.
Find a CAMI
To find contact information for a resource that provides access to safe drug use equipment, consult the page Find an injection equipment access centre (CAMI).
Last update: January 26, 2026