Harm Reduction (HR) Clinics

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Harm reduction (HR) clinics are starting to gain a foothold in Toronto, following the success of the program “Four Pillars” in Vancouver. This clinic, called Insite Plus, will deliver a safe environment in which intravenous drug users can be injected with illicit drugs using clean needles. This initiative plans to lower the transmission of deadly viruses, bacteria and diseases like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, and lower overdosing rates; some of the biggest dangers when injecting oneself with dirty needles in unsanitary locations. However, there has been strong criticism from the police and some Toronto Councillors (Global Aritcle) over how the clinics seem to implore the use of illegal drugs. As such, in this essay, I will detail both sides of …show more content…
Indeed, Toronto Public Health is the advocate and provider for the Insite Plus program, and for good reason. Edson Castilho, an RN from Halifax, wrote in response to an article about the complexities of harm reduction that, “ Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach to the issues surrounding the health of substance users… people so often described in such negative ways are as deserving of care as anyone.” (EA3) As described by the RN, there has been evidence to back to claim to use HR clinics in areas of need. In Canada, the most notable was the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, British Columbia, where the 4 Pillars program was active. This Evidence-Based Practice approach is an adjunct to today’s health priorities of Primary and Secondary Prevention and Awareness (EA1; EA5;EA6) as it helps both the health of the population as a whole and the financial budget of the health providing service. Furthermore, as an obligation to the ideals of the profession, ethical nursing practice compliments Harm Reduction Clinics very well in terms of population health (EA3; EA2). As we have a duty to provide equal care and preach about prevention and awareness, harm reduction clinics offer a good platform by which nurses can advocate for those vulnerable populations entering the locations, along with showing addicts ways to improve upon their addiction (i.e. rehabilitation center information, stepped approaches to abstinence) (EA4). Thus, the role of the health care provider in HR clinics is very pronounced and important, as is the role of HR clinics with respect to Public Health