Harm Reduction

Education & Outreach Team at AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan

Refers to an approach designed to reduce the harmful consequences

associated with high risk activities.

We do not try to ‘save’ or ‘rescue’ anyone, we

support them wherever they are without

judgement or assumption

What is harm

reduction?

• North American culture looks at situations of substance abuse as individual problems rather then looking at societal factors

• Most social ills are seen as the result of actions by people who are ‘bad’

• Strong social expectations are not good reasons for making a particular ethical decision

Negative Connotation

to Harm Reduction

“I don’t believe in harm reduction”

“So you don’t believe in seat belts or car seats?”

Regina Harm Reduction in Practice

• Needle Exchange Programs• Condom distribution • Formula for HIV+ pregnant

mothers • Clinic or Hospital Setting

Support • Planned Parenthood Regina• Methadone Programs• Talking Circles • Peer Support Programs• Housing Support

Harm reduction models are evidence-based and are consistently evaluated to show good results and

effectiveness. This means that they are an ideal model for anyone who works with individuals who are engaging in behaviour that puts them at risk for

harm – which some might say involves almost everyone on the planet!

Harm Reduction Principles

• Recognizes the intrinsic value and dignity of all human beings

• Does not judge individuals on the basis of their individual behaviours

• Accepts that isolating people and communities based on moral judgments is harmful

• Enhances social and health programs, disease prevention and education by reducing oppression

• Expects accessible, flexible, culturally responsive and non-judgmental services for all

• Recognizes the rights and abilities of individuals in making their own choices

Human Dignity and Human Rights

• Accepts risk-taking as normal human behaviour

• Recognizes that people have more success in changing behaviours when they make choices that reduce the possibility of harm, rather than totally eliminating harm or risk as their first step towards change

• Identifies a range of risks related to STI, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C infection and the context in which they occur

• Encourages people to start “where they’re at” in order to protect themselves, their partners and their communities

Values of Harm Reduction

• Challenges the harmful policies and practices that result from myths within and about communities and about risk-taking behaviours

• Challenges the harmful policies and practices that isolate individuals and communities and prevent them from accessing needed services

Make available, support in other forms to meet clients wants and needs

Provide information both verbal and no verbal

Focus on Harms

• Demands that individuals and communities affected be directly involved in organization of strategies for harm reduction

• Recognizes diversity within the community or communities, accepting that there is no one homogenous group

• Contributes to the safety and well-being of the community

Balance

• Recognizes the right for comprehensive, non-judgmental

medical and social services and the fulfillment of the basic needs

of all individuals and communities

• Supports the development and provision of accessible harm

reduction tools and information

Deal with priority issues

Harm Reduction Myths

Myth

Harm reduction programs

enable and/or

promote drug use

Fact

Harm reduction enables people to

make informed choices and encourages safer substance use should

someone decide to use any substance (legal or

illegal)

Myth

It is illegalto give

out needles

FactDistribution of needles and drug equipment is

not a crime.

Police and health care providers share in the

understanding that harm reduction programs use

a harm reduction strategy

Myth

Harm Reduction Programs

mean there will be more

needles found in my community

FactWe encourage users to

return used needles to the program for safe disposal.

Containers are also provided to safely store

needles prior to discarding. With more options

available, needles are less likely to be discarded

unsafely.

Benefits of Harm Reduction Programs

• Reducing harm to those involved and to their family, friends and society

• Reduces the spread of HCV/HIV • Empowers people to choose what is best for

them and when they are ready to take the next step

• Offers opportunity to stabilize their lives • Decreases crime • Increasing access to care and services • Reduces isolation • Increases support system

Harm Reduction:

Building trust, reducing risk!