Harm reduction A one day workshop to gain insight into theory and practice of the harm reduction approach.

Target group:	Policy makers
Duration:	one day
Trainer:	Ernst Buning, psychologist and co-founder of the International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA).
Method:	The training is a combination of knowledge transfer, knowledge digest nd exchange of experience.

The objective of this seminar is to assist (local) policy makers in formulating a concrete and coherent harm reduction policy as one of the pillars of an overall drug policy.
Theory and practice of Harm Reduction is explained and discussed, while special attention is given to the importance of public health. The seminar consists of 5 parts:

Hot items
How to manage a good balance between public order and public health? Where are the boundaries of harm reduction? How to explain controversial interventions to the general public? Is harm reduction cost effective? Where is the fine line between 'believing' and 'knowing'?

Fact and figures
This part of the seminar is based on sound scientific data on harm reduction interventions.

Ingredients of an harm reduction policy
Attention to interventions such as substitution treatment, outreach and needle exchange schemes.

'Food for thoughts'
Based on lectures by leading authorities in the Harm Reduction field, the seminar provides for ample opportunities for interaction and exchange of experiences.

Wrap-up
Trainees discuss what they can do in their own setting.
After completion, the participants receive a certificate.