7th National Harm Reduction Conference: Towards A National Policy

The Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC) is a national advocacy and capacity-building organization that promotes the health and dignity of individuals and communities impacted by drug use. HRC advances policies and programs that help people address the adverse effects of drug use including overdose, HIV, hepatitis C, addiction and incarceration. We recognize that the structures of social inequality impact the lives and options of affected communities differently, and work to uphold every individual’s right to health and well-being, as well as in their competence to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Come to our 2008 conference! Highlights include: • Principles of harm reduction: what defines harm reduction in your agency or in your advocacy? • Harm reduction efforts in Latino, African American and Native American communities • Successful service program models: including urban and rural/non-urban settings, culturally specific services, cross-modalities, long-term program survival, etc. • User to user interventions, education, organizing and advocacy • History: changing the dialogue around harm reduction and identifying future strategies • Practical interventions for methamphetamine and crack cocaine users • Community dynamics: the shifting roles of community based organizations, faith based groups, and health departments in funding and public policy • New research on drug use, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, syringe exchange and harm reduction • Methadone and buprenorphine information and advocacy • Spanish language workshops • Social marketing: targeting drug users and communities with vital information • Community impact of drug law incarcerations and prison issues for drug users and PLWHA • Improving drug treatment outcomes • Redefining the user: advocacy and programs that combat stigma and remove barriers that create harm • How to start and maintain a syringe exchange program • Mental health counseling • Women and substance use • Opiate overdose prevention and response • Criminal justice involvement and its impact on communities of color • Incorporating harm reduction practices in the coordination of mental health services For complete information, including registration, see http://www.harmreduction.org/article.php?list=type&type=60