Harm Reduction Program

Program Description:

Our Harm Reduction program strives to uphold the principles and guidelines of harm reduction. Harm reduction is a public health measure which aims to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences of risky behaviours (substance use, unprotected sex etc) from a nonjudgmental point of view. We provide outreach and education to the Peel community to ensure that harm reduction tools are easily accessed and with the knowledge of how to use them effectively to reduce the harm associated with HIV/AIDS. Workshops are available upon request to educate those in the Peel Region on harm reduction and safer sex practices.

Program Vision:

• Prevent negative consequences of HIV /AIDS transmission in terms of substance use, sex and to provide practical support to people who are at risk.

Program Goal:

To prevent HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases among the people of Peel who are vulnerable to substance use and unprotected sex.

Program Objectives:

1. To encourage substance users to adapt harm reduction measures, and to provide knowledge regarding harm reduction among people at risk for HIV transmission in the Peel Region.
2. To provide practical support (basic needs, documentation, neotiate appropriate referrals) to those at risk.
3. To establish a strong network with other harm reduction service providers and form linkages to new agencies and avenues.

Basic Principles:

1. Focus not only on reducing drug use, but also on reducing harm associated with HIV/AIDS to individuals, families and communities
2. Consider substance use as a public health and human rights issue not a criminal one
3. Do not promote substance use and do not judge substance use as good or bad
4. Acknowledge that stopping substance use may not be realistic
5. Provide practical strategies for reducing risk and harm associated with drug use and unsafe sexual practices
6. Ensure that no person is denied access to services because of their drug use
7. Balances costs and benefits
8. Attempt to promote and facilitate access to care for drug misuse and mental health problems
9. Engage drug users in a continuum of care from which they would otherwise be excluded
10. Provide accessible and informative workshops on the principles of harm reduction and safer sex practices

Program Services:

Focusing on educating individuals, families and communities on harm reduction, PHAN started injection an drug use outreach program in 1998. Some of our outreach programs include:

• Needle Exchange
• Condom and Lube Distribution
• Information and Education about safer needle use and sex
• Street and Prescribed Drug Information
• Counseling
• Peer Education Programming
• Referrals to Addiction Services/Housing

For more information please contact: