Harm Reduction 101 Webinar Notes

Overview

• Presenters: Alison Newman, Emily Huo, Lupe Ortado
• Location: University of Washington, Addictions Drug and Alcohol Institute
• Format: Zoom webinar
• Audience Participation: Attendees encouraged to ask questions in the chat and Q&A.

Logistics

• Only panelists and hosts can share video/audio.
• Importance of respectful engagement and curiosity in discussions.

Introduction by Alison Newman

• Importance of harm reduction in public health.
• Introduces Emily Huo to discuss the history and principles of harm reduction.

Emily Huo’s Presentation

Role and Context

• Position: Washington Department of Health, Office of Infectious Disease.
  • Focus on hepatitis C, drug user health, and integrated infectious disease testing.
• Collaboration with healthcare authorities on statewide harm reduction efforts.

Historical Context for Harm Reduction in the U.S.

• Legal Status of Drugs: Not based on scientific risk assessments; often rooted in racial and xenophobic fears.
  • Opium: First anti-narcotic law in 1875 targeted Chinese communities.
  • Cocaine: Early laws in the 1900s directed at Black men with racist tropes.
  • Cannabis: Early laws targeted Mexican migrants amid immigration fears.

War on Drugs (1970s)

• Initiated by President Nixon, increasing federal drug control.
• Introduction of punitive measures such as mandatory minimum sentencing and no-knock warrants.
• Nixon ignored a commission’s recommendation to decriminalize cannabis.
• Acknowledgment of racial and social implications of drug policy.

Principles of Harm Reduction

• Acceptance that drug use exists; focus on minimizing harm.
• Empowerment of drug users as agents of change.
• Recognition of social inequalities affecting drug use outcomes.

Distinguishing Harm Reduction from Risk Reduction

• Big H Big R Harm Reduction: Philosophical movement focusing on social justice and power dynamics.
• Little h little r Harm Reduction: Practical strategies for reducing drug use harm.
• Risk Reduction: Providing supplies without a supportive framework.

Lupe Ortado’s Presentation

Personal Experience with Harm Reduction

• Emphasizes harm reduction as a life-saving approach.
• Highlights the failure of abstinence-based recovery models for many individuals.

Implementing Harm Reduction Principles

• Meet people where they are and provide low-barrier services.
• Use person-centered language to combat stigma.
• Engage in outreach to build relationships and support.
• Importance of community support and advocacy for marginalized groups.

Drug User Unions

• Collective action among drug users advocating for rights and health measures.

Addressing Stigma

• Stigma leads to isolation and vulnerability; requires active confrontation.
• Shift language to prioritize the person over their behavior or diagnosis.

Outreach and Support Strategies

• Mobile services to overcome barriers to access.
• Emphasizing trauma-informed care and person-centered approaches.

Syringe Service Programs (SSPs)

• Essential for reducing bloodborne diseases and connecting users to services.
• Provide comprehensive harm reduction supplies and health education.

Current Narratives and Racial Equity

• Need for inclusive narratives in harm reduction that represent diverse communities.
• Addressing racial disparities in drug policy and health outcomes.

Community Engagement and Education

• Promote Noone and Naran availability and education in communities.
• Building relationships to empower individuals through harm reduction principles.

Resources

• Washington State Syringe Services Programs Directory.
• National Harm Reduction Coalition and Drug Policy Alliance websites.
• Recommended reading: "Chasing the Scream" by Johan Hari; various podcasts on harm reduction.

Q&A Section

• Discussed the distinction between harm reduction and risk reduction.
• Importance of addressing stigma in community settings.
• Encouraged building relationships and partnerships to support harm reduction initiatives.