Lanark Integrated Frontline Team
Mobile health, harm reduction, and housing support across Lanark County
LIFT connects people across Lanark County with health care, harm reduction supplies, overdose prevention, and housing support — meeting people where they are, without judgment or pressure.
What we do.
LIFT is a mobile clinic bringing healthcare, substance use support and social services to Lanark County residents. We visit communities where our neighbours live and gather, including encampments and community settings.
Harm Reduction
Our team supports you to make informed choices and stay safe. We never place pressure or conditions. LIFT offers:
- safer use gear
- naloxone kits
- drug test strips
- education on overdose prevention and substance use safety.
Overdose Prevention
We provide bystander training and overdose response education to individuals, families, and service providers. We work to reduce stigma and equip communities with the tools to save lives.
Health Care (Mobile Clinic)
Our mobile clinic includes a nurse practitioner and community paramedic. They offer health assessments, wound care, medication support, and referrals.
Housing Support
There is a vital link between housing and health. LIFT helps people navigate systems such as ODSP, the By Name List, and local housing services. We work with Lanark County partners to connect people to stable, supportive housing options.
How LIFT works
LIFT meets people in the places they live and gather — including encampments, community spaces, food programs, and supportive housing.
no referral required
no requirement to stop using substances
confidential and respectful care
services are voluntary and non-coercive
Our goal is to build trust, reduce harm, and connect people to supports that match their goals.
Who LIFT is for
Anyone in Lanark County who needs support related to:
substance use
health care
housing or income
overdose prevention
We prioritize people who are underserved, isolated, or facing barriers to care — but our services are open to all.
Looking for help right now?
You don’t need to know exactly what you’re asking for — we’ll help you figure it out.
View the Mobile Clinic Schedule
Find out where we will be next.
Call us and speak to somebody
Call 613-283-2170 and press 3.
Send a confidential message
Use our secure contact form to leave us a message.
A community-based program
LIFT is a partnership between:
LIFT is funded by Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), which strengthens prevention, harm reduction, and treatment services.
Why LIFT Exists
Across Ontario — and here in Lanark County — the unregulated drug supply continues to pose serious risks to community health. While there have been modest improvements since the peak of the pandemic, opioid-related harms remain significantly higher than pre-2019 levels.
Most overdose deaths today are linked to highly toxic substances such as fentanyl, and many occur indoors, often without anyone present to help. This means people are frequently unable to access timely support through traditional services alone.
LIFT exists to close that gap.
By delivering mobile, relationship-based care directly in the community, LIFT helps reduce preventable harm, connect people to health and social supports, and respond to real-world conditions as they exist today — not as systems might assume them to be.
Key facts shaping our work:
Opioid toxicity deaths in Ontario remain 59% higher than pre-pandemic levels, despite recent declines
Fentanyl is involved in approximately three-quarters of opioid toxicity deaths
Nearly 7 in 10 fatal overdoses occur in private residences, not public spaces
Only about 1 in 10 fatal overdoses had a bystander present, limiting opportunities for life-saving intervention
These realities underline the need for proactive, flexible, and compassionate outreach — meeting people where they are, when they need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is harm reduction?
There are activities that have risks. We can try to reduce those risks. Seat belts and condoms are both examples of harm reduction.
Harm reduction tries to reduce the negative health, social, and legal impacts of substance use. People use substances for many reasons and we offer ways to reduce risk. There is no judgment or pressure to stop using. This includes providing new gear, overdose prevention education, and access to health and social supports.
Do people need to stop using substances to receive help from the Lanark Integrated Frontline Team (LIFT)?
No. You do not need to stop using substances to access our services. We meet people where they are, offering support that respects your choices and goals. LIFT is a non-coercive program.
What kind of services does LIFT offer?
View our scheduleLIFT is a mobile service available to residents across Lanark County. See our schedule to find out where we are. LIFT offers:
- Safer use supplies (e.g., new gear, naloxone kits, drug test strips)
- Overdose prevention education and bystander training
- Health assessments and primary care through a nurse practitioner and community paramedic
- Referrals to housing, income support, and mental health services
- Support with ODSP applications and connection to the By Name List
Where can I find LIFT services?
View our schedule & locationsLIFT is mobile in Lanark County. We go to encampments, food banks, community settings, and supportive housing. Our mobile team brings services to people in the community.
Who can access LIFT?
Anyone in Lanark County who needs support related to substance use, housing, or health care is welcome. We focus on people who are underserved, isolated, or facing barriers to care—but our services are open to all.
Is LIFT confidential?
Yes. We respect your privacy. All services are provided with discretion. Your information is confidential, following health privacy standards.
What are harm reduction supplies, and why are they important?
Harm reduction supplies help people use substances more safely. These may include new needles, safer inhalation kits, drug test strips, and wound care items. These help prevent infections and reduce the risk of overdose. Offering these creates opportunities for connection and support. It’s a way to show care and respect for people’s health and dignity.
What is naloxone, and how does it help?
Where to get a free naloxone kitNaloxone is a life-saving medication. It can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It’s safe and easy to use. Naloxone is available as a nasal spray or injection.
LIFT provides free naloxone kits and training to anyone who wants to be prepared to respond to an overdose—whether for themselves, a loved one, or someone in the community. You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to use naloxone. Carrying a kit can save a life.
How can I get involved or support LIFT?
You can support LIFT by sharing our resources, attending community education sessions, or connecting us with individuals or organizations who may benefit from our services. If you're a service provider, we welcome collaboration to strengthen community care.
