Harm Reduction

“Harm Reduction” is anything that reduces the risk of injury whether or not the individual is able to abstain from the risky behavior”. David Ostrow, MD, PhD

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The idea behind harm reduction is that not all people are able or willing to stop certain behaviors, and they should be educated about how to do the least amount of harm to themselves as possible. Harm Reduction meets drug users where they are at, not requiring them to get clean before they can get help.

Many people think injection drug use (IDU) is not a problem where we live. However, just under 25% of the AIDS cases in HARC’s region can be attributed to IDU. It is estimated that between 60% to 80% of all IDU (injecting drug users) are Hepatitis C positive. The Harm Reduction Program’s mission is to prevent the transmission of all blood-borne pathogens resulting from injecting drug use. Also following HARC’s mission, the Harm Reduction Program follows behavior change theories to prevent the transmission of HIV.

The main goal of Harm Reduction Programs is to decrease the negative consequences of drug use. HIV is a potential negative consequence of drug use. HARC strives to prevent HIV in people that actively use drugs just as we do with people who are clean.

There are several important aspects of Harm Reduction. One is education for both the community and the individual injection drug user (IDU). Education can happen through town meetings and one-on-one counseling. The education component of Harm Reduction Programs is never-ending. This component includes information and skill building on HIV, STDs, hygiene, safer sex, safer drug use, wound care, overdose prevention and much more.

Another aspect of Harm Reduction is needle exchange. IDUs frequently report they share needles because of difficulty obtaining them. Sharing needles is one of the greatest risks for transmitting HIV. Needle exchanges allow IDUs to bring in their used needles in exchange for new ones. Not only does this decrease needle sharing, it also decreases the number of used needles not properly disposed of in the community. Contrary to popular misconception no study of syringe exchange programs nationwide has indicated that those programs have caused an increase in illicit drug usage or an increase in crime in those neighborhoods being served. Those same neighborhoods have experienced decreases in HIV and Hepatitis C transmission among IDUs.

HARC began its Needle Exchange Program in December of 2000. Three days every week the van will park in a designated location to provide easy access to IDUs. The van will provide needle exchange, HIV testing, safer sex materials, bleach kits, hygiene kits, risk reduction counseling and referrals to needed services including substance abuse treatment.