CRACKING DOWN ON DRUGS

The Manitoba Harm Reduction Network strongly supports the Winnipeg
Regional Health Authority, and in particular Street Connections, in
their effort to provide quality care and service to Winnipeg's
under-served and marginalized populations.

The principles of harm reduction practice support the provision of
services that recognize the right for comprehensive, non-judgmental
medical and social services and the fulfilment of the basic needs of
all individuals and communities. Provision of safer crack use kits to
those who require them offers opportunities for outreach workers to
engage in health promotion and education, build trust, and support
access to mental health and social services. Harm reduction approaches
such as this have repeatedly been proven successful and cost-effective
in the long-term prevention of HIV and Hepatitis C.

Bohdanna Kinasevych, Consultant, Manitoba Harm Reduction Network.