Webinar #2: Spectrum of Harm Reduction

Spectrum of Harm Reduction 

Viewing harm reduction in the framework of a spectrum. A more in depth consideration of how agencies and service providers uniquely engage with harm reduction practices, and assessing where they fit across a range of possibilities for reducing harm. For example, each agency will have to consider their individual capacity to adopt harm reduction practices. At one end of the spectrum, agencies may implement the philosophy of harm reduction as an approach to care, with little change in the services they provide. Others may decide that they will be implementing more intensive harm reduction services, such as distributing harm reduction supplies or providing space for safer use. There are many factors that will need to be considered, such as how an agency is funded, the population they work with, and the needs of the community. Identifying where an agency falls in the spectrum of harm reduction allows these questions to arise, so solutions can follow.

Policy & Legal Considerations

Bringing awareness and education with regards to how policies and law may inhibit or enforce your harm reduction goals. For example, what is in an agency’s policies regarding substance use and clients? Is your client aware of their age of consent?