Harm reduction defines policies, programs, services and actions that work to reduce the harm associated with drug taking in the community. Harm reduction aims to increase the health of individuals, communities and society that are affected by drugs.

The following principles of harm reduction are adapted from those set out by The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA 1996), and Lenton and Single 1998:

Harm Reduction:

Is pragmatic and accepts that the use of drugs is a common and enduring feature of human experience. It acknowledges that,while carrying risks, drug use provides the user with the benefits that must be taken into account if responses to drug use are to be effective. Harm reduction recognises that containment and reduction of drug related harms is a more feasible option than efforts to eliminate drug use entirely.

ASP Healthcare has played a major role in designing products targeted at helping reduce the spread of blood borne viruses.

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