Harm reduction refers to policies, programs, and practices that aim to minimize the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with substance use. Harm reduction is also a method to decrease negative consequences from sexual activity without requiring abstinence. It can also refer to preventative policy measures regarding other risks in life like wearing a seat belt.

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     Harm reduction is grounded in justice and human rights. It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that people stop using substances or abstain from sexual activity as a precondition of support. Harm reduction based responses are about prioritizing safety, reducing infection and other immediate health risks, and preventing toxic drug deaths. There is growing evidence that harm reduction leads to a safer and more peaceful world. ​Learn more here. 

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