What is harm reduction? Why is it important? What does it look like in Brandon?

Harm Reduction is a best-practice model supporting people who use substances. Harm Reduction is more than needle distribution — it refers to policies, programs and practices that aim to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws. Rather than focus on individual behaviour the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network (MHRN) approach to harm reduction focuses on how systems create and exacerbate harms to people who use drugs and other oppressed groups, often by design and with intent. Harm reduction is grounded in justice and human rights. It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using drugs as a precondition of support.

Facilitated by Solange Machado (MHRN Brandon) and Ainslee Lockhart (volunteer and BU student)

Free and open to all 

Supported by the Margaret Laurence Endowment Fund held by Gender & Women’s Studies