WHO IS
HARM REDUCTION VICTORIA?
Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) is a not-for-profit, community organisation for people who use drugs.
HRVic does not condemn nor condone the use of drugs.
HRVic merely recognises that drug use happens and as such,
aims to reduce any possible harms associated
with that drug use.
Our health promotion focus is guided by the belief that any drug-related harm should be treated as a health issue and not a criminal issue.
Our aim is to advance the health and well-being of people who use drugs by creating an environment in which individuals are empowered to realise their aspirations, meet their needs and participate fully in society.
Our membership, staff and supporters include current and former people who use drugs, allies and the support networks of PWUD and are people who support the values and objectives of Harm Reduction Victoria.
We prioritise the issues and concerns of people who use drugs in all that we do within a community development framework.
The philosophy of harm reduction and advancing the health and human rights of people who use drugs guides all of HRVic’s work.
HRVic’s interventions are individually and collectively targeted, in order to promote a culture of safer drug use.
WHERE WE COME FROM
In 1987, in the face of a growing HIV epidemic, a group of drug users, supported by their friends, families and allies established VIVAIDS- now called Harm Reduction Victoria- as an independent, living and lived experience-driven, community based organisation.
Now funded primarily by the Victorian Department of Health
and Human Services, HRVic provides peer driven and designed education and resources, practical support, information and advocacy to current and past users of illicit substances, their supporters and the services who work with them.
HRVic has often led the way in developing innovative approaches to peer education and community development, and has contributed to Australia having one of the lowest HIV rates among injecting drug users in the world.
OUR TEAM
If the membership
are the legs that carry the organisation,
the board of directors make up the head of HRVic,
then the 40+ permanent staff & over 250+ volunteers,
are definitely the heart of the organisation.
From a variety of backgrounds, qualifications & experience,
the HRVic team is made up of current & former people who use drugs, giving HRVic the advantage
in drug related health promotion & a
truely unique
peer-spective.
