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Defining Harm Reduction

Harm Reduction...Emphasizes tolerance, respect for the personal choices of others and respect for human rights. It favors evidence over anecdote, courage over cowardice and doing what is right even if it seems to send the "wrong message."

It means doing what has to be done to protect the public health in the face of opposition from all quarters because it is the right thing to do.

-O'Hare p, IHRA; cited in Irwin KS and Fry CL, /International Journal of Drug Policy/,18(2007),p.75-83.

Mission Statement

Encourage and motivate the acceptance of harm reduction strategies in North Carolina through education, advocacy, and resource development.

Present Goals:

  • To increase the number of providers using harm reduction methodology as a basis for designing and implementing programs and interventions.

  • To reduce the number of HIV and other blood-borne infections in North Carolina by promoting harm reduction based interventions.