Harm reduction under threat: Defending public health in a shifting landscape

Presented in partnership with the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C.

In the last few years, many parts of Canada have experienced a decrease in harm reduction services being offered. This webinar provides an overview of the changing landscape and how it is impacting access to care. Speakers discuss the broader contextual factors driving these changes and strategies for how to respond.

Harm reduction is an essential component of a public health approach to substance use and funding cuts undermine efforts to prevent overdoses and reduce the transmission of infections. These cuts have reduced access to supports for people who use drugs, including safer substance use supplies, supervised consumption services, safer supply and other programs.

Moderator: Rivka Kushner, CATIE

Speakers:

• Jason Altenberg, Dr. Peter Centre 
• Ahmed Bayoumi, Professor, University of Toronto
• Douglas Belanger, South Riverdale Community Health Centre 
• Barb Fornssler, Assistant Professor, University of Saskatchewan