Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction: Get Informed

 

About Harm Reduction | Personal Stories | Resources | News Stories | Government Sites​ | Framework for Action | First Nations Overdose Data​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​About Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a public health approach that saves lives by minimizing harm and potential danger. A harm reduction approach meets people where they are at with open arms, acceptance and compassion – not judgment or shame. A harm reduction approach recognizes that every life is valuable and that substance use and addiction are complex and challenging. 

People who struggle with addiction need to be supported, not judged. Stigma around drug use can actually cause more deaths, as shamed people can become more reluctant to discuss their challenges with addiction or seek medical help.

At the FNHA, we see drug use as a health issue rather than a moral issue. We encourage you to adopt a harm reduction approach in your life and to have conversations about how to keep yourself, family members and friends safe.

Personal Stories

The FNHA's "Protect Lives. Prevent Overdose." video series features the voices of Indigenous individuals (Kim Calder, Dede Nelson, Andrea Medley, Tracey Morrison and Len Pierre). 
Shane Baker's Personal Story of Opioid Recovery (video)
Beynon Family – Julian's Story – (video)
My Heart Breaks​ (web page)

Reso​urces

Increase the Support. Reduce the Harm.​ (fourteen posters)
Overdose Prevention FAQs (fact sheet)
5 Myths about Addiction (fact sheet)
Talking about Substance Use (fact sheet)
Start the Conversation about Drug Use: Talk to Your Family and Friends (four posters)
Naloxone: Save Me Steps to​ Save A Life (poster)

News Stories​

A Dangerous Cocktail
Practising Harm Reduction during COVID-19
Drug Use is a Health Issue, Not a Moral Issue 
Embracing the Grey Area: Harm Reduction in a Community Context

Government Sites

Stop Overdose  
Overdose Prevention and Response in BC

Framework for Action

A Framework for Action: Responding to the Overdose/Opioid Public Health Emergency for First Nations (poster)

First Nations Overdose Data

COVID-19 Pandemic Sparks Surge in Overdose Deaths this Year (news story; includes First Nations in BC and the Overdose Crisis infographic)

 FNHA Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction Information

 Public Health Info Lines

BC Drug & Poison Info Centre (Anonymous Non-Emergency Assistance): 1-800-567-8911

Healthlink BC: 811

 Please Note

​​This material may trigger unpleasant feelings or​​​ thoughts. Please contact the 24 Hour KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717 if you need emotional support.​

 

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