BIPOC Harm Reduction Program

Project Coordinator: Trisha Steinberg

April 2022 marks a new venture for ACAS as it launches the Harm Reduction Program. For the next five years, ACAS will be working closely with our alliance partners, Blackcap (Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention) as the lead agency, APAA (Africans in Partnership Against AIDS), ASAAP (Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention), CSSP (Centre for Spanish Speaking People) and Action Positive VIH/SIDA. The program aims to increase knowledge of safe use, and awareness of the harms native to substance use. Alliance members work together to reduce stigma around drug use, improve access to resources (i.e. injection and inhalation equipment), and to develop BIPOC Harm Reduction Delivery Model.

The program’s targets are members of the East and Southeast Asian community in Ontario, people who use drugs and service providers. Since April 2022, Train the Trainers and regular outreach at various venues with BIPOC Alliance members have been implemented.

“Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.”

- Harm Reduction Coalition

“Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.” ˝