Harm reduction
Keeping people and communities safe and healthy by preventing infections, illness and injury related to drug use and sexual practices.
Services
What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach to care that minimizes the health impacts of a behaviour. For example, sunscreen reduces the harms from sun exposure and seatbelts reduce the harms of car crashes.
For those who use drugs, harm reduction can reduce the negative impacts of using unregulated substances. Harm reduction strategies include:
- naloxone to reverse opioid poisonings,
- drug checking,
- harm reduction supplies like needles and pipes,
- overdose prevention sites and services,
Harm reduction is one set of tools in a comprehensive response to substance use that also includes withdrawal management (detox), treatment and recovery.
Research shows that harm reduction programs have been very effective in reducing rates of HIV and Hepatitis C and in preventing toxic drug deaths. Evidence also shows that harm reduction services do not encourage people to use drugs, and help to link people into treatment and recovery.
Overdose response, naloxone and training
Information and resources on how to prevent and respond to overdoses.
Learn moreResources
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How to administer naloxone
Short video on how to use naloxone to reverse an overdose
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Harm reduction supplies site finder
Find harm reduction supplies near you
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Lifeguard app
A phone app to prevent and respond to overdoses.
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Toxic drugs: ideas to stay alive
Printable poster of harm reduction ideas.
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Monthly Public Naloxone Trainings Monthly public naloxone trainings
Provided in person and on Zoom from the VCH peer team. Visit to register for sessions.
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Understanding harm reduction: Substance use
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Dispelling Myths and Fears Around Harm Reduction
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I died six times…let’s stop the stigma of harm reduction
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Moms Stop the Harm
Support and advocacy for families impacted by the toxic drug emergency
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Nexus and Odyssey (youth substance use counseling)
Free one-to-one counselling and youth drop-in space from the Boys and Girls Club
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Urban Native Youth Association
Free counselling for youth and a youth health centre.
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Navigating grief and loss (BCCSU guide)
A guide for loved ones.
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Parents Together
A parent support group run by the Boys and Girls Club, often supports parents of youth using substances.
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Resources for health professionals and service providers
Visit our substance use and harm reduction resources for health professionals and service providers for specific resources and training for all frontline staff and health professionals.
