![]() Multiple research studies have shown the effectiveness of syringe distribution and exchange in reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS, reducing injection related practices which can lead to HCV and HIV, and serving as a “bridge” to further services when clients are ready for substance abuse treatment. Originally, harm reduction was used to define the services provided to substance users in order to decrease their health risks while using illicit drugs. Under this tenet, providers assist clients in addressing and improving their health and well-being without asking them to change behaviors (typically, drug use) that they may not be ready to change. ![]() The primary tenet of the harm reduction philosophy is to “meet clients where they are at”. ![]() The harm reduction framework has been shown to be effective in addressing the needs of marginalized substance using and mentally ill populations. Often the hardest part of addressing these unmet needs is determining the best strategy to provide sustainable assistance, particularly for those individuals struggling with addiction or mental illness. Not addressing these needs can result in further destabilization and increased vulnerability. Addressing these needs may lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes (e.g., stabilization of mental health and chronic health disorders) for individuals and decreased financial burden to the community (e.g., through primary care and emergency room visits). These needs - which include stable housing, food assistance, and medical care - have been well documented in homeless or marginally housed, substance using, mentally ill, and HIV positive populations. Vulnerable populations utilizing community-based organizations (CBO) for service provision often have multiple basic needs that are unmet. ![]()
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