Evaluation of Direction 180: A Low Threshold Methadone Program

A summary of an evaluation of a community based, low threshold methadone program based on a harm reduction, client-centred approach. The program has operated as a pilot project in the North end of Halifax since February 2000. This is the third program evaluation and the authors use document and file reviews, as well as interviews with clients and staff to conclude that the program continues to meet its goals and that both clients and staff are overwhelmingly supportive of the program. The document includes a summary of the findings organized by client interviews, staff interviews, and client outcomes which look at housing, employment, criminal activity, drug use, improvement in health status, and client satisfaction. The evaluation concludes with a number of recommendations to build on the success of the existing program.