Pubdate: Thu, 21 Oct 2010 Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) Copyright: 2010, BC Newspaper Group Contact: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948 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 . - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart