Harm Reduction is a way of promoting health and preventing drug related harm that meets people where they are at.

Harm reduction focuses on reducing the risks and adverse health consequences associated with unsafe drug use, in particular HIV and viral hepatitis.

Harm reduction programs have been shown to lower risk of HIV and hepatitis transmission for drug users by offering information and assistance in a non-judgmental manner.

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Important Principles of Harm Reduction Include:

• A non-judgmental approach that treats every person with dignity, compassion, and respect.

• Use of evidence-based and cost-effective practices to prevent and reduce drug related harm

• Active and meaningful participation of drug users and community stakeholders in shaping sensible policies and practices around drug use

• Focus on enhancing quality of life for individuals and communities, rather than promoting cessation of all drug use

• Recognition of the determinants of health and the complex interplay of social factors that influence vulnerability to drug-related harm, including poverty, social inequality and discrimination

• Empowerment of drug users as the primary agents in reducing drug related harms

• Commitment to defending universal human rights.

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Harm reduction activities and interventions to improve the health and quality of life for people who use drugs and their communities, include:

• Peer education- people who use drugs informing and educating people who use drugs

• Needle and syringe programs (NSPs);

• Pharmacotherapies (ORT) for drug dependence, including methadone and suboxone;

• Voluntary testing for HIV, viral hepatitis and other STIs or blood borne infections;

• Confidential pre and post-test discussion and counselling

• Access to treatment for HIV and hepatitis C & B and other STIs

• Provision of primary health care including wound care and vein care

• Overdose prevention activities, including peer distribution of Naloxone and first aid training;

• Referral to drug treatment programs as requested.

Some other forms of Harm Reduction include:

• Seatbelts in vehicles

• Cancer Screening

• Wearing bicycle helmets

• Using condoms

• Sun screen and sun protection

• Nicotine patches/gum