Take the online harm reduction course & win a Starbucks card
Learn how harm reduction services, such as needle and condom distribution, supervised injection, and addiction treatment, improve individual and community health. The new online harm reduction course will introduce VCH’s leading harm reduction programs, and show you how to use harm reduction approaches with clients. This course is required for most staff and volunteers who distribute harm reduction supplies, and is recommended for anyone working with people who experience harms related to drug use and sexual practices.
Take the VCH Harm Reduction training today through the Course Catalogue Registration System (CCRS).
Harm reduction programs keep individuals and communities safe and healthy by preventing infections, illness and injury related to drug use and sexual practices. VCH’s services are grounded in evidence and guided by best practice. Some of the services and strategies discussed in the three hour course include:
- Distributing supplies, such as condoms and sterile needles, and providing education to improve public health by reducing the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections;
- Offering supervised injection services (SIS), which have been proven to prevent illness, injury, death, and community harms related to public injection;
- Providing robust mental health and addiction services, including opioid substitution therapy (OST) and managed alcohol programs (MAP) to reduce the use of street drugs and non-beverage alcohol;
- Decreasing barriers to health services by addressing stigma and discrimination related to drug use and sexual practices.