Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network publishes recommendations for harm reduction

The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, together with Harm Reduction International, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, and the Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs, has published a fact sheet on harm reduction in Canada. The publication outlines recommendations for government approaches to harm reduction policy.

It was developed out of the desire to tackle the deficiencies of the current model of drug prohibition. These deficiencies include contributing to the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, contributing to over-incarceration, and contributing to the epidemic of overdose fatalities. The fact sheet advocates for  the use of evidence, public health objectives, and the rights of people who use drugs to inform and guide drug policy. Among the recommendations are:

1) Scaling up overdose response measures

2) Improving access to treatment for opioid dependence

3) Rapidly expanding access to life-saving safer consumption services

Click here for more information.