Harm Reduction 

Please join us for a discussion with substance abuse harm reduction advocates at the Grand Rapids Area Library. Pizza served.

RSVP appreciated: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883

This meeting is free and open to the public.

Harm reduction refers to policies, programs and practices that aim to reduce the harms associated with the use of legal and illegal psychoactive drugs in people who are unable or unwilling to stop. It is based on the recognition that many people will continue to use psychoactive drugs despite even the strongest efforts to prevent the initiation or continued use of drugs. Harm reduction accepts that many people who use drugs are unable or unwilling to stop using drugs at any given time. Access to good treatment is important for people with drug problems, but many people with drug problems are unable or unwilling to get treatment.

Harm reduction advocates accept people as they are and avoid being judgmental. Services are designed to meet people’s needs where they currently are in their lives. Keeping people who use drugs alive and preventing irreparable damage is regarded as the most urgent priority. Allowing people to suffer or die from preventable causes is not an option.

People who use drugs are always somebody’s son or daughter, sister or brother or father or mother. The harm reduction approach is based on a strong commitment to public health and human rights.
–Harm Reduction International