DEATH PREVENTION –
Feb. 25, 2022 – Other harm reduction objectives include decreasing the stigma associated with addiction, increasing education on safer substance use, encouraging protected sex, and connecting people who use drugs with health and social services or support groups.
There are also overarching aims like preventing transmission of blood-borne or sexually transmitted infections, discouraging the use of shared needles or equipment, and decreasing the number of overdose deaths. Harm reduction also comprises addiction facilities, support groups, and medical services, including wound care, vaccinations, and COVID-19 masks. Sex education, STI testing and treatment, condoms, and pre-exposure prophylaxis are other critical harm reduction tools and services.
Achieving the goals of harm reduction depends on accessibility of these resources. They, or information about how to find them, need to be available in places like:
