The 8th National Harm Reduction Conference in Austin, Texas, will take place at the midpoint of President Barack Obama’s first term. It will be an ideal time to reflect upon what progress we have made. Our work addressing the health and social justice needs of drug users has often been one that has been oppositional but now perhaps we can expect support. Will there be a commitment to preventing drug overdoses among users? Will Congress have appropriated real money to fight viral hepatitis? Will this Administration tackle mass incarceration? Will there be talk of drug treatment on demand? Will there be funding for syringe exchange now that the heinous federal ban has finally gone? However it is, our struggle remains an intense one when it comes to undoing the decades of propaganda — the cornerstone of the drug war.

Amidst the hope and adversity of our times, comes the 8th National Harm Reduction conference. It will be a place to organize, network, relax, refresh, reboot, and rekindle. Austin in November is a great place to be. The weather is good. The ambiance is hot and the conference will be awesome. It is your conference, so bring your best ideas, experiences and passion. We are a diverse crew of drug users, ex-users, researchers, front-line workers, social workers, doctors, nurses, politicians, policy wonks, but all harm reductionists at heart. Get your abstracts written and submitted!

Early Bird Registration Due September 1 – Register Today!

Some of the conference highlights:

* Principles of harm reduction: what defines harm reduction in your agency or in your advocacy? * Harm reduction efforts in Latin@, African American and Native American communities * Successful service program models including: urban and rural/non-urban settings, culturally specific services, cross-modalities, long-term sustainability, etc. * User-to-user interventions, education, organizing and advocacy * History: changing the dialogue around harm reduction and identifying future strategies * Practical interventions for methamphetamine and crack cocaine users * Community dynamics: the shifting roles of community based organizations, faith based groups and health departments in funding and public policy * New research on drug use, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, syringe exchange and harm reduction * Methadone and buprenorphine information and advocacy * Spanish language workshops * Social marketing: targeting drug users and communities with vital information * Community impact of drug law incarcerations and prison issues for drug users and People Living with HIV/AIDS * Improving drug treatment outcomes * Harm Reduction Strategies in LGBTQ Programs * Redefining the user: advocacy and programs that combat stigma and remove barriers that create harm * How to start and maintain a syringe exchange program * Mental health counseling * Women and substance use * Opiate overdose prevention and response * Criminal justice involvement and its impact on communities of color * Incorporating harm reduction practices in the coordination of mental health services

For more information, contact:

New York City Office – 212.213.6376 or hrc@harmreduction.org
Oakland (CA) Office – 510.444.6969 or hrcwest@harmreduction.org