We believe in the power of Harm Reduction to transform lives! Taking a Harm Reduction approach means:
- Believing that people who use drugs or engage in sex work are equal and valued members of society
- Accepting that drug use and sex work have always been part of our society and always will be
- Understanding that drug use and sex work exist along a continuum, and choosing to minimize the harmful effects rather than simply ignoring or condemning them
- Treating people who use drugs or engage in sex work with respect and dignity
- Acknowledging that people who use drugs or engage in sex work are fully capable of making their own decisions
- Working with people who use drugs or engage in sex work to reduce harm, empower themselves, and improve their own lives and communities
- Appreciating the experiences of people who use drugs or engage in sex work as a valuable tool for helping each other
- Including people who use drugs or engage in sex work in the creation of programs and services designed to serve them
- Recognizing the realities of poverty, class, racism, and other social inequalities are all part of the stigmatization of people who use drugs or engage in sex work
- Advocating against policies that disproportionately harm people who use drugs or engage in sex work, particularly low-income people and people of color
- Being committed to social justice and basic human rights for people who use drugs or engage in sex work