Michelle Ward
What is harm reduction? Harm reduction is exactly what it sounds like: reducing the harm associated with using a substance. Harm reduction refers to policies, programs and practices designed to minimize the negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policy and drug laws. Harm reduction is rooted in justice and human rights. It focuses on positive change and works with people without judgment, coercion, discrimination or asking people to stop using medications as a prerequisite for support. Harm reduction is an approach to promoting health in a way that is appropriate to people’s circumstances.
What problem is harm reduction trying to solve? The primary goal of harm reduction is to save lives and protect the health of people who use drugs and their communities. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people who use drugs are more likely to have HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, mental health disorders, and chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, lung disease). Other harm reduction goals include reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorder (SUD) or addiction, increasing education about safer drug use, encouraging protected sex, and connecting people who use drugs so they are not alone Experiencing an accidental overdose.
What does harm reduction look like in practice? Some examples of harm reduction happening in Southeast Utah include, but are not limited to: Syringe Service Program (SSP), Overdose Prevention and Reversal, Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips, Naloxone Kits and How to Use Naloxone (NARCAN ), health care and oral care kits, education on the importance of safe sex and STD/STI prevention (condoms and lube), sterile injection or smoking equipment, and free rapid HIV/HCV testing (20 Results will be available within minutes).
Does harm reduction encourage people to use substances? This is a common misconception, says Travis Rieder, Ph.D., M.A., associate research professor at the Berman Institute of Bioethics at Johns Hopkins University. “Opponents sometimes argue that providing people with sterile syringes, clean pipes, naloxone, spaces to use drugs under supervision, etc., will stimulate drug use or lead to drug use,” he said. “But people will use drugs whether they have those resources or not, so having those resources doesn’t stop that use; it just makes things more dangerous. Making an activity more dangerous doesn’t stop those people who engage in this activity; instead, it just hurts and kills more people.” Therefore, harm reduction helps save lives while keeping communities healthy and safe.
Where can I register in Southeast Utah? Please contact Michelle at the Southeast Utah Health Department. Services are provided in Carbon and Emery Counties. Please call her office at (435) 636-1157 or her cell phone at (435) 609-0807. All services are provided in the office or on mobile devices. No appointment required.
What if I want to make my home and community safer now? A good way to keep your home and community safe is to prevent people from using drugs or other substances without prescription or for the intended use. On October 28, you can visit a Carbon or Emery Take Back Day location near you to anonymously dispose of unwanted, expired, or unwanted prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications (including liquids), or vaping devices (not including batteries).Visit tinyurl.com/utahtakeback to learn more and join us from noon to 2 p.m. for a free bite to eat at a local food truck and pick up a gift bag (While supplies last).
