Acknowledging the detrimental impact of traditional, abstinence-based drug strategies on women who have experienced gender-based violence, Ingamo Homes advocates for a broader range of addiction treatment methods to better meet the diverse needs of Oxford County's community. We believe that a personalized and inclusive approach is crucial to addressing the complexities of addiction.
A uniform approach to addiction intervention is inadequate and leaves gaps through which survivors of gender-based violence may fall. Harm reduction, guided by six key principles, strives to:
- Humanism: Value, care for, respect, and dignify patients as individuals.
- Pragmatism: Recognize that perfect coping is unattainable, and support individuals in their efforts.
- Individualism: Acknowledge the unique factors, behaviors, and receptivity to interventions for each person.
- Autonomy: Uphold the right of individuals to make their own choices about treatment.
- Incrementalism: Celebrate every positive change, no matter how small.
- Accountability without Termination: Hold individuals responsible for their choices without denying them access to services based on treatment decisions.
At Ingamo, we implement harm reduction by providing:
- Safe sex options such as male and female condoms and dental dams.
- Naloxone kits.
- Needle exchange program materials, including the provision of safe paraphernalia to reduce the risk of injury and communicable diseases.
Harm reduction strategies have demonstrated positive outcomes, including:
- Decreased rates of communicable diseases, such as STDs, HIV, and Hepatitis.
- Decreased rates of death from overdose.
- Decreased barriers to accessing help caused by stigma.
- Increased connections to support and treatment.
For inquiries about Ingamo's harm reduction strategy, please contact us at 519-421-0383.
