It has been a challenging year for Sanguen Health Center, especially with the closure of the consumption and treatment services (CTS) site on Duke Street in downtown Kitchener. The site was the only one of its kind in Waterloo Region, and its closure has been particularly devastating. Staff members fear that this loss will result in the death of clients who relied on the facility’s services.
Despite the hardship, Sanguen Health Center remains committed to offering healthcare and support to those in Waterloo Region who are dealing with homelessness and addiction. The release of the 2024 Community Impact Report reflects that dedication.
Julie Kalbfleisch, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Sanguen, was the principal author of the report. She told 570 NewsRadio that the document is more than just a summary of accomplishments. It provides an in-depth look at the center’s operations, its programs, history, and its vision for the future.
Kalbfleisch also expressed that the report served another purpose, particularly given the difficult year. “I wanted to create it for our staff, so they could see the incredible work they do and the difference they’re making in people’s lives,” she said.
The report highlights several key statistics: the center’s community health van provided 26,276 interventions, nearly 800 people were treated through the van, and the safe injection site had 15,050 visits. At the consumption site, 79 overdoses were managed—none of which resulted in death.
Kalbfleisch emphasized that this report is an important resource for anyone looking to understand the scope of Sanguen’s work. “At its core, what we do is provide healthcare. We approach this through a harm-reduction lens, but our ultimate goal is to contribute to a healthier community for everyone,” she explained.
