Harm Reduction
What Is Harm Reduction?
A health promotion approach that aims to decrease the negative consequences of risk behaviour.
Harm reduction is the attempt to keep people as safe and healthy as possible in their given practices and lifestyle realities. It stems from the realization that drug use and other high risk behaviours are engrained in society. By providing and enhancing knowledge, skills, resources and support, we hope to reduce the harm done to those engaging in these behaviours and the overall community.
What Are Some Examples Of Harm Reduction In Our Community?
- Operation Red Nose
- TRAC Youth Outreach
- PARTY Program
- Safe Grad
- Needle Exchange Program
- M.U.S.T (Mobile Urban Street Team)
- Helmets (bike, motorcycle)
- Seatbelt Legislation
Active Participants in the Community Based Needle Exchange Program are:
| PHARMASAVE Draffin's Pharmacy Lethbridge Centre Mall (403) 327-3364 |
Norbridge Pharmacy 722 - 23rd St. N. (403) 329-1211 |
Fletcher's Dispensary 414 - 13th St. N. (403) 329-4121 |
In partnership with the Lethbridge HIV Connection and CHR - Sexual Health Centre. For more information Phone: (403) 328-8186
Why Have Harm Reduction Programs?
Harm reduction strategies reduce the physical, social and economic consequences of risk behaviours.
What Do Harm Reduction Programs Look Like When Addressing The Issues Surrounding Injection Drug Use?
- Distribution of clean needles, swabs, and sharp disposal containers.
- Safe disposal of dirty/used needles.
- Condom distribution.
- Provision of risk-reduction information.
- Connecting injection drug users with community resources.
What Are Some Myths Of Harm Reduction?
- Facilitates substance use.
- Supports addicts to continue addictive behaviour.
- Simply distributes clean needles.
- "If you can't beat them, join them" philosophy.
What Are The Key Benefits Of A Harm Reduction Program That Addresses The Issue Of Injection Drug Use?
- Provides community services to hard-to-reach individuals.
- Can help motivate individuals towards positive changes through small steps.
- Improves the health and safety of individuals and your community.
- Prevention of health problems, such as HIV and Hepatitis C, thus reducing health care expenditures.
What Are The Goals And Objectives Of The Lethbridge HIV Connection Harm Reduction Program?
- To increase community awareness and understanding of the balance between enabling a risk behaviour and reducing the harm associated with that behaviour (prevent a problem from getting worse).
- To increase opportunities for implementing the "Harm Reduction" model into service delivery.
- To increase the linkages between Harm Reduction services through a shared broader vision.