Via Interior Health
The Youth Harm Reduction team of Interior Health is pleased to announce the launch of Youth Harm Reduction 101, a short course that covers essential information on integrating harm reduction principles, approaches and services into your practice when working with youth. The site page also features a toolkit and both resources are available on the Interior Health website.
Learners who complete the course will:
- Understand what harm reduction is and why its an important part of the continuum of care when to working with youth.
- Become familiar with youth substance trends and influences.
- Know what harm reduction services are available for youth in B.C.
- Understand how harm reduction work with youth fits with key legislation.
The complete course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. It is divided into four-sessions.
Session 1: Youth and Substance Use (10 mins): This section covers important core topics like why youth use substances, the spectrum of substance use, as well as data and trends in youth substance use.
Session 2: Harm Reduction and Stigma (10 mins): This section explores what harm reduction is and how stigma creates barriers to wellness. Practical tips are provided to help reduce stigma.
Session 3: Harm Reduction Services (60 mins): This session provides information on harm reduction services available for youth in B.C. including safer sex and safer substance use supplies, naloxone programs, overdose prevention sites and drug checking. Includes detailed videos on the various supplies and how they are used.
Session 4: Legislation and Polices (10mins): This section covers key legislation and policies such as consent and Duty to Report within the context of providing harm reduction services to youth. Practice recommendations are provided. *If your service doesn’t typically work with youth and you’re not sure if you can this session is also for you!
Visit the Interior Health page featuring these resources for more information on working with youth.