The Canadian Harm Reduction Network

Twice in the past week I have had contact with two very experienced healthcare providers who have been silenced by their organization from using the term "Harm Reduction". Curiously, both worked for large organizations which depend upon Federal Funding!

Could phrases like "responsive programming" , " responsive care " and "self determined approaches" be adopted to better explain the philosophy which embraces the wisdom of honoring an individual's right to determine a particular course?

I wonder if the public and our Canadian leaders would listen more carefully and less judgementally if we changed our language to better describe what individuals and programs in the quest for improved health are trying to achieve.

Is it time to open the door and step towards the future, with the resolve to leave the term "Harm Reduction" behind - honoring that it served us well for many, many years....

Hi Margaret,

I agree 100% that it is time for the discussion around the usefulness of the words harm reduction. It is true that it might help us deliver good services without invoking the fear and loathing caused by the words in certain circles.

But, also within people who deliver services, it is time to review what we are trying to achieve, what is the goal of harm reductions, just what IS harm reduction.

The landscape is different than when the idea was first needed.

It is time for that larger discussion, to challenge the usefulness of these two over used, oft misunderstood words.

Tom