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 .
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart