Harm reduction is any action that reduces risk and increases personal and public safety. Harm reduction approaches have proven to prevent death, injury, disease, overdose, prevent substance misuse or disorder and most of us practice harm reduction techniques daily. Join us for a 90-minute webinar exploring the fundamentals, history, and foundational principles of harm reduction. Gain insights into the advancement and significance of harm reduction in public health and learn from real-world examples demonstrating the potential of harm reduction initiatives. Discover practical strategies and interventions that can be integrated into existing organizational frameworks, without imposing additional financial burdens. Whether you're new to harm reduction or seeking to deepen your understanding, this webinar offers valuable insights and actionable ideas for advancing harm reduction efforts within your community or organization.

Objectives:

1. Understand the history and evolution of Harm Reduction
2. Draw connections between how principles of Harm Reduction have a role to play in medical, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment programs
3. Recognize the role Harm Reduction plays in maintaining the dignity and autonomy of individuals

Bio: Jan Eliassen is the director of Harm Reduction Programs at Fargo Cass Public Health. She has been actively involved in addressing the needs of at-risk individuals in the community for over two decades. Her work focuses on harm reduction, low barrier services, and ending long term homelessness.