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Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in partnership with the PHS Community Services Society opened North America’s first legal supervised injection site (Insite) scientific research pilot project in September 2003.
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Harm Reduction 1. We admitted we use drugs and had logical reasons for doing so, while we struggled in a society whose laws made our lives unmanageable. 2. We rejected the notion that we are insane thereby taking responsibility for our lives and our behavior. 3. We made informed decisions – in regards to our drug use – and resolved to reduce or eliminate any harms caused by our drug use. 4. We listed and examined those parts or our lives where the use of drugs allowed or forced us to participate in acts which caused harm to ourselves, our families and/or communities. 5. We determined those negative parts of our behavior which are no longer useful to us, while outlining a plan for survival which did not immerse us in guilt and self-hatred. 6. We acknowledged the emotional, social and spiritual impact of drug related losses. 7. We worked to correct injustices caused by HIV/AIDS, the criminal justice system, child and family services and the like and sought a resolution within ourselves regarding these injustices. We had compassion for those among us who continued these unjust practices. 8. Now seeking a peaceful existence, we made amends to persons we had harmed, explaining to them the connection between our use of drugs and the actions we took to survive. 9. We committed ourselves to responsible drug use wherever and whenever possible. 10. We continued to monitor, review and manage our drug use seeking guidance as needed, while striving to continually reduce drug related harm. 11. We used alternative treatments, prayer and/or meditation as a mechanism for guidance, clarity, discipline and sound judgment. 12. We carried a messaged of hope to other users, supporting and encouraging harm reduction efforts, as a means to enrich lives. |
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