Harm Reduction Programs

Harm reduction programs should be based on evidence of safety and effectiveness.

The impact of harm reduction programs, both positive and negative, on patients and the public should be rigorously evaluated before widespread implementation. Evaluation should focus on benefits (such as reduced hospitalizations) but also harms arising from diversion and unsupervised injection.

• Harm reduction programs should have resources and processes in place to facilitate rapid entry into treatment and recovery programs.
• Harm reduction programs should facilitate convenient, low-barrier entry into treatment.
• Public health agencies and clinical services that fund and govern harm reduc:on programs should ensure that they employ prac:ces that protect pa:ents and the public from harm.
• Programs that prescribe potentially addictive drugs should take steps to limit diversion and unsupervised injection. Diversion expands the number of people using, and being harmed by, illicit substances. The most effective, evidence-based strategy to limit diversion is through observed dosing with gradual introduction of carries. In addition, programs that allow drug use on-site should ensure that the surrounding neighbourhood is protected from violence and open drug use.