Harm reduction refers to policies, programmes and practices that aim to reduce the harms associated with the use of psychoactive drugs in people unable or unwilling to stop. (Harm Reduction International 2013).
Aventa supports a comprehensive, evidence-based, approach to addressing addiction issues which includes prevention, treatment and harm reduction. Aventa utilizes the following harm reduction practices: acceptance of Clients on Methadone, Suboxone and Naltrexone for inpatient addiction treatment, overdose prevention awareness sessions for Clients and Staff, harm reduction information and counselling, onsite outreach staff from the Safeworks Harm Reduction Program, and provision of Naloxone kits for Clients.
Aventa uses harm reduction strategies for smoking cessation including provision of NRTs, and harm reduction counselling.
Aventa has a comprehensive approach to FASD prevention which includes priority access to addiction treatment for pregnant women, specific programing for women with FASD, and comprehensive reproductive health education and access to birth control options and counselling.
Aventa is a member of the Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network and participates in other community initiatives to support access to harm reduction services. If you are in need of harm reduction services or supplies in the community, please contact the Safeworks Harm Reduction Program.