What is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction is a set of strategies that encourages clients to reduce harm to themselves and their communities, even if they are unable to eliminate harm by abstaining from a risky behavior. While abstinence is the highest form of harm reduction, improvements in personal and public health can occur without it. The guiding principle of harm reduction is that any positive change in the life of a client is a good one. It's important to start where the client is and move at her or his own pace.
Some Harm Reduction Steps
- Use condoms and other barriers for sex, like dental dams, and Reality condoms (female condoms).
- Don't share needles.
- Clean works, or use needle exchange programs.
- Learn more about HIV and its impact on your community and worldwide.
- Talk with friends, youth, everyone that supports HIV prevention.
- Participate in community events that support HIV prevention.
- Organize and lead events that support people to take control of the conditions that determine their health and the well-being of our communities.
Harm Reduction Brochure (PDF Document)
Harm Reduction for HIV Brochure (PDF Document)
Safer Injections Information (Word Document)
For Further Information
Project SAFE
Ocean Campus Cloud Hall 405
Information, Referrals & Safer Sex Supplies