Harm reduction programs are part of a comprehensive prevention strategy through public health that aim to reduce the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
Harm reduction programs contribute to improved health by:
Provincial Prevention and Risk Reduction Policy
January 2016
Drug use practices that can lead to transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV) and other harms are a critical public health issue. Evidence demonstrates that effective communicable disease prevention programming, where clients receive health-related services, prevention and education, counselling, linkages to addictions services, emergency support, and access to clean supplies for using drugs, can reduce transmission of blood-borne infections and other harms.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health provides annualized funding to some Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) for Prevention and Risk Reduction (PRR) Programming. Some regions work with community partners such as community-based organizations to deliver PRR programming.
Information about specific harm reduction programs in Saskatchewan cities, town, and communities can be found here.