Key messages

Harm reduction is an evidence-based practice to support people who use drugs (PUD).

Harm reduction is non-judgemental and accepts that people use drugs as fact rather than an issue of morality.

People who use drugs are at many stages in their lives and need to drive their own care and support services. Our services need to remain open and flexible to meet PUD ‘where they’re at.’

Building relationships with PUD can be more important than expecting ‘change’. Quality of life is the standard for success, not necessarily cessation of use.

When PUD are treated with dignity and respect they are more likely to trust you and access your services.

 

What does this mean locally / at your organization?

We suggest you chat with your supervisor and/or colleagues and learn about the following:

  • How does your organization work from a harm reduction perspective?
  • What does working from a harm reduction perspective look like in your role?
  • What agencies does your organization partner with for harm reduction work?

 

Training modules

Training module: Harm Reduction Equipment Webinars

Teaching modality: Pre-recorded webinars
Activity length: 2x 90 minute videos
Target audience: Public Health Nurses working in harm reduction; staff of Needle Exchange Programs (NEPs); injection drug use outreach workers; hepatitis C teams

Learning objectives:

  • Ensure consistent knowledge about the equipment distributed
  • Learn about best practices for each piece of equipment

This course was created by the Ontario Harm Reduction Network . Certificates of completion for any course or webinar are provided upon request – contact us at [email protected]

Watch: injection drug use equipment (90 mins)

Watch: safer inhalation (crack smoking) equipment (90 mins)

Training module: Methamphetamine Webinar Part 1

Teaching modality: Recording of interactive webinar
Activity length: 2 hour video
Target audience: These interactive webinars are intended for people working in harm reduction programs and will be particularly useful for Harm Reduction Outreach Workers, Hepatitis C support teams, Public Health nurses, and staff of Needle Syringe Programs (NSPs).

Learning objectives:

  • Examine the history, pharmacology and effects of methamphetamine
  • Discuss how meth is used, the associated injection and inhalation equipment and related best practices, and specifically cover “bowl pipes”, now available to harm reduction programs
  • Explore basic harm and risk reduction strategies
  • Facilitated by: Nick Boyce & Colin Johnson (OHSUTP)

This course was created by the Ontario Harm Reduction Network.

Watch video here

Training module: Methamphetamine Webinar Part 2

Teaching modality: Recording of interactive webinar
Activity length: 2 hour video
Target audience: People working in harm reduction programs; particularly useful for Harm Reduction Outreach Workers, Hepatitis C support teams, Public Health nurses, and staff of Needle Syringe Programs (NSPs).

Learning objectives:

  • Learn the signs of overdose and how to respond
  • Examine the sometimes challenging behaviours associated with methamphetamine use and strategies for engaging with people
  • Briefly look at the process and supports for people looking to change their use
  • Learn from one another
  • Facilitated by: Nick Boyce (OHSUTP); Sanda Kazazic and Bryan Deresti (St. Stephen’s Community House, Toronto)

This course was created by the Ontario Harm Reduction Network. Certificates of completion for any course or webinar are provided upon request – contact us at [email protected]

Watch video here