What is Harm Reduction?

While there are no universal definitions, harm reduction is a movement based on a set of principles that inform policies, programs, and practices that aim to reduce harms associated with drug use, drug policies, and drug laws.  Dated stigmas attached to substance use suggest that illicit drugs are inherently harmful and that the use of drugs in and of itself is the main cause of harm for people who use them. Harm reduction aims to educate and inform that the main causes of drug-related harms are toxic supply (Fentanyl), prohibition, criminalization, as well as social and systemic factors which marginalize and stigmatize people who use drugs.

​

Harm reduction advocates strive for the safety of people who use substances and provide programs that do not rely on 100% abstinence. We recognize that there is a spectrum of support needed for these community members and work to ensure that their needs are met to the best of our ability.