Harm reduction is important because it focuses on keeping people safe and healthy, even if they are using substances. For the community, this means fewer health crises, less strain on emergency services, and safer public spaces. It also builds trust, making it easier for people to seek help when they are ready. For young people, harm reduction allows them to make safer choices and supports them in engaging in healthier coping strategies over time. Harm reduction acknowledges that recovery is a unique journey, and some youth may not be ready to quit entirely. By focusing on safety first, harm reduction allows young people to stay connected to their support systems, which can eventually lead to positive changes.
Harm reduction isn't about encouraging drug use; it's about ensuring that people are cared for and protected, regardless of where they are in their journey. Please take a look at the brief harm reduction info-graph below, and take some time to watch First Nation Health Authority’s five minute video on harm reduction and how connection and supportive relationships help people make safer, healthier decisions without judgment.
First Nations Health Authority: Connecting to Others as Part of Harm Reduction
Sources:
- Government of Canada. (2023). Canadian supervised consumption sites statistics. Canada.ca. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/datalab/supervised-consumption-sites-blog.html
- Harm Reduction in Everyday Life - CMHA Simcoe County