BE 'FEARLESS' ABOUT HARM REDUCTION: EXPERT

Founder of Toronto Task Force Addresses Needle Exchanges, Supported Housing

Supporters of sometimes controversial substance abuse programs, like
needle exchanges and low-barrier housing, must remain "respectfully
fearless" in the face of opposition, says an expert in harm reduction.

Walter Cavalieri, founder of the Toronto Harm Reduction Task Force
and the Canadian Harm Reduction Network, says making people
understand the benefits of such programs is often difficult,
especially for those who "don't want to hear it."

He will be the keynote speaker at a harm reduction symposium in
Nanaimo next month.

A city-sponsored low-barrier housing complex, where residents are not
required to remain sober, proposed for a site near Dufferin Crescent
and Townsite Road, has drawn vocal criticism from neighbours and has
sparked a petition with more than 1,000 signatures from opposed residents.

The project is part of a housing strategy that will introduce 160
units of low-barrier living residences at five different locations in
the next five years.

Cavalieri say these type of projects often draw immediate criticism
that usually fades with time. He thinks advocates for such programs
need to convey the benefits they will bring.

"Often times we cower, we shut up," he said, adding that social
service providers are sometimes concerned about losing funding over
such opposition.

"We will walk away from a good debate."

Cavalieri said he will bring a positive message that will aim to
inspire people working in harm reduction on Dec. 6 when he speaks at
the Harm Reduction Symposium in Nanaimo.

More information about the event can be found at http://narsf.proreg.ca