WEEK 11: HARM REDUCTION Flashcards
WHAT IS HEALTH INEQUITY
socially constructed injust, unfair, avoidable differences in health, health risks, outcomes and services between and within groups of people. influenced socioeconomically, racially and other gradients
WHAT IS SOCIAL INEQUITY
unequal social status due to systemic privledges and devaluing people based on sex, ethnicity, etc.
WHAT IS STRUCTURAL INEQUITY
bias imbedded in government institiutions or social networks that reinforce privledge and hierarchial social status.
WHAT IS STRUCTURAL VULNERABILITY
increased risk to vulnerability of health due to social and structural inequities.
“ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES ARE THE SINGLE GREATEST UNADRESSED PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT FACING OUR NATION TODAY” TRUE OR FALSE
TRUE
WHY USE DRUGS?
- fun
- escape
- coping
- pain
- experiment
- enhance experiences
WHAT IS THE IRON LAW OF PROHIBITION
increase law enforcment > increased cost of illegality > increased potency of substance
WHAT ARE SOME HARMS OF DRUG PROHIBITION
- increased violence, crime, corruption, and death
- increased cost of drugs
- toxic or contaminated drug supply
- stigma, discrimination, health and social inequities
- street drug market profits, fuelling crime and violence
- cost of the war on drugs and allocated resources
- drives people away from prevention and health services
- crowding and slowing of justice system
PRINCIBLES OF HARM REDUCTION
- evidence based and cost effective
- promotes human rights and dignity
- focused on reducing negative concequences
- compassionate and relational
- public health approach
- requires participation of inidividuals and community
- innovative, flexible, person-centered
- requires personal reflection of bias, assumptions, and values
supported by Government of canada, WHO, and alberta health services
COMMON ARGUMENTS AGAINST HARM REDUCTION
- inefficent use of public funds (false)
- enables people to take greater risks (false)
- distributing drug equiptment is illegal (false)
EXAMPLES OF HARM REDUCTION
- life jackets
- birth control
- sunscreen
- speed limits
- cigarette filters
WHAT IS FENTYNAL
synthetic opiod analglesic, often cut into other drugs as a low cost way to increase potency
WHAT ARE SUPERVISED CONSUMPTION
- where people can use drugs in a safe, hygenic environment. evidence based public health approach based on harm reduction princibles
SERVICE PROVIDER TIPS
- build trust and safer spaces
- eatch for teachable moments
- small changes, tangible results
- person centered care
- address SDOH
- consider how you can support harm reduction and public health initiatives
- practice cultural humility and competence
