With the majority of clients identifying Concurrent Disorders upon intake, the Barrett Centre for Crisis Support and other congregate settings within Good Shepherd are looking to better integrate evidence-based (or best practice) Harm Reduction policies and procedures. We know that there are a number of factors impacting clients who are in active use including: barriers to accessing shelter or crisis services; hesitancy to access Consumption Treatment Services (CTS); lack of access to addiction medicine; criminalization; and the increase in overdose related deaths in community. This evidence points to Harm Reduction practices needing to be re-evaluated and better integrated, especially in congregate settings. We have partnered with a community researcher and our colleagues within Good Shepherd to talk about how to better integrate Harm Reduction strategies in congregate settings in order to improve safety, accessibility, and best meets the needs of the complex and vulnerable populations we serve.
PRESENTER:
Emily Dakers | Good Shepherd, Barrett Centre for Crisis Support
