Superior Points HRP - Canadian Harm Reduction Network

An individual drug user practicing harm reduction might do any of thefollowing:• use their own clean injection equipment, crack pipe, or snortingstraw (to reduce risk of transmission of HIV and HCV)• buy their drugs from a dealer they are familiar with (to hopefullyavoid a ‘bad cut’ or being ripped off)• not try new drugs or increased doses by themselves (to reducepotential for overdose, especially alone)• access counselling directly or indirectly related to their use (to seekinformation, referrals, or support)• always clean their injection site before poking it with a needle (toreduce risk of infections, like skin abcesses)• safely and appropriately dispose of their used equipment (to avoidputting others in their household and community at risk)Harm reduction means people can empower themselves by taking smallsteps toward positive changes related to their drug use, which can lead tohaving greater control of their lives in general. The role of a harmreduction worker or ‘harm reductionist’ is to support drug users in theirautonomy. Harm reductionists are dedicated to information-sharing; theyare educating the general public, users, non-users, potential users, andoccasional or recreational users about the real social, legal and health risksinvolved in drug use and how to minimize the harms that could result fromdrug use.Being able to sell the concept of harm reduction is essential to securefunding for much-needed programs and services for our consumers.Fortunately, an added bonus of harm reduction strategies is the economicbenefits they yield for society at large: “It is estimated that for every dollarspent on harm reduction programs, the government saves seven dollars.Crime, disease and death have dropped dramatically in all cities that haveimplemented real harm reduction programs” (Vancouver Area Drug UsersNetwork).SUPERIOR POINTS HARM REDUCTION PROGRAMProtocols for Staff, Volunteers and Community Agencies7