HARM REDUCTION SYMPOSIUM TO ADDRESS ISSUES

Harm reduction will be the top priority at a conference hosted by
NARSF Programs Ltd. and the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

The aim of the forum, on Dec. 6 at the Coast Bastion Inn, will be to
exchange ideas and strategies, promote dialogue to increase
understanding and acceptance of attitudes toward addictions and
mental health, encourage safe harm reduction approaches for First
Nation members and provide stakeholders with an opportunity to build
on current innovative practices.

Benedickt Fischer from the B.C. Centre of Addiction Research will
discuss his recent study on crack cocaine use. Other topics will
include understanding and communicating harm reduction, balancing the
needs of advocates, neighbours and service providers and taking a
public health approach to the war on drugs.

Harm reduction is a pragmatic approach to keeping people safe and
reducing the rate of death, disease and injury. It spans topics from
drugs to using a helmet for high risk activities.

The symposium is open to all agencies and community members.
Registration information is available at http://narsf.proreg.ca .