Harm Reduction

 

Harm reduction refers to evidence-based strategies proven to reduce the risks associated with drug use including HIV and viral hepatitis to individuals and the community at-large.  It necessitates moving beyond blame and judgment. People who use drugs should have the opportunity to minimize the negative consequences to their health. These strategies include having legal access to clean syringes and the availability of safe disposal. Syringe exchange services can deliver clean syringes to people where they are and remove dangerous used needles from our streets, neighborhoods and parks. They offer information on healthcare and drug treatment services. Syringe exchange services provide an avenue to improved health and rehabilitation. Reducing the incidences of HIV and viral hepatitis benefits the public health by lowering the rates of transmission and limiting the financial burden to the health care system.

Western North Carolina AIDS Project supports policies that are proven to reduce new HIV infections. To learn more about evidence-based harm reduction strategies please refer to the fact sheet from amfAR.

What can you do??

For information on harm reduction policies in North Carolina and what you can do, please visit the the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition.