At their meeting Tuesday night Flin Flon City Council heard a presentation on the local harm reduction program. It includes the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, the Northern Health Region and Public Health, and the Play It Safer Network.  One of the presenters Community Health Developer Deanna Johnson explains the definition of harm reduction is a set of strategies and tactics that encourages people to reduce harm to themselves and their community through sharing of relative information, facts and practical material tools that allows them to make informed and educated decisions.  She adds it recognizes their competency to protect themselves.

Examples of local harm reduction given include immunization, addictions education programs, opioid replacement programs, naloxone kits for people using opioids, education and referral for clients with risky behavior, safe needle disposal sites and sterile needle exchange programs to prevent HIV and Hepatitis C infections with around 14 thousand needles provided in the Flin Flon The Pas region and developing awareness, support and education programs with the committee open to ideas on how to get their message out.