COVID aka Coronavirus, SARS CoV-2, Covid 19 Last Updated 04.10.2021 Some Things You Should Know: for People Who Use Drugs WHAT IS IT? SYMPTOMS TRANSMISSION VACCINE INFO VACCINE LOCATIONS LIST First Things First- What Is A Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) . The most recently discovered coronavirus causes SARS CoV-2 or as we know it- COVID-19 ( The one we are dealing with now around the world.) WHAT This new corona virus (COVID-19) and it's variants were unknown before the outbreak was announced in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. What Are The Symptoms? SYMPTOMS COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalisation. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Less common symptoms are aches and pains, sore throat, conjunctivitis, headaches, loss of taste or smell, diarrhoea and a rash on skin or discolouration of fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Serious symptoms include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure and loss of speech or movement. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility. People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, and immune deficiency issues are more likely to develop serious illness. How Does It Spread? Transmission Current evidence suggests that the virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each other , typically within 1 metre (short-range). A person can be infected when aerosols or droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings, where people tend to spend longer periods of time. This is because aerosols remain suspended in the air or travel further than 1 metre (long-range). People may also become infected by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus when touching their eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning their hands. Further research is ongoing to better understand the spread of the virus and which settings are most risky and why. Research is also under way to study virus variants that are emerging and why some are more transmissible. Infected people can be contagious and the virus can spread from them to other people, whether they have symptoms or not . Laboratory data suggests that infected people appear to be most infectious just before they develop symptoms (namely 2 days before they develop symptoms) and early in their illness. People who develop severe disease can be infectious for longer. While someone who never develops symptoms can pass the virus to others, it is still not clear how frequently this occurs and more research is needed in this area. **Research is ongoing and HRVic will update this information as new discoveries are made. Which COVID-19 vaccines are available in Australia? Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved vaccines for COVID-19: Comirnaty, the Pfizer -BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, provisionally approved for people aged 12 years and older Vaxzevria, the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine, provisionally approved for people aged 18 years and older Janssen, the Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd vaccine, known as Johnson & Johnson , provisionally approved for people aged 18 years and older — this vaccine is not included in Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program Spikevax, the Moderna Australia vaccine, for people aged 12 years and older “Do you want a vax?” Here’s what Professor Margaret Hellard has to say about it. Margaret is known and loved and trusted by many in our community and has treated many of us for hep C and HIV over the years. VACCINES FAQs VACCINE VACCINE What Vaccines are what? What's the difference? Find Out HERE. What if I can't afford the covid vaccine? You do not need a money to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It is FREE. What if I don’t have a Medicare card? You do not need a Medicare card at Commonwealth State clinics to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Check with the clinic you have booked at I have a medical condition. Can I get an exemption? You may be exempt if you are unable to be vaccinated because you have a medical contraindication as determined by ATAGI clinical guidance . You will need evidence from a medical practitioner about this – such as a medical certificate or a letter. MASKS- Do I have to wear a mask and if so, when do I have to wear it? Anyone 12 years and over must wear a fitted face mask whenever they leave their home, indoors or outdoors, unless lawful exception applies . The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has developed a series of badges for people who are unable to wear a face covering for a valid reason . The badges can be downloaded onto smartphones or printed to keep in a wallet or lanyard holder. Smartphone badges I am exempt from wearing a face-covering for valid reasons - blue badge (jpg) I am exempt from wearing a face-covering for valid reasons - white badge (jpg) For people who are deaf or hard of hearing and need the person they are communicating with to remove their face mask: Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better - blue badge (jpg) Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better - white badge (jpg) Print-ready badges I am exempt from wearing a face-covering for a valid reaso n (PDF) Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better (PDF) HRVic's COVID-19 SEPT 13 UPDATE (Lockdown #2 Victoria) HRVic's COVID-19 SEPT 27th 2020 UPDATE (Lockdown #2 Victoria) HRVic's COVID-19 & Drug Use Resource #1 DOWNLOAD PDF HRVic's COVID-19 & Planning For the Substance Dependent Resource #2 DOWNLOAD PDF HRVic's COVID-19 & Pharmacotherapy Resource #3 DOWNLOAD PDF HRVic's COVID-19 SEPT 27 UPDATE (Resource #4 Lockdown #2 Victoria) DOWNLOAD PDF Some MORE Helpful Tips for People on Pharmacotherapy - Methadone and Buprenorphine (Suboxone and Subutex) : CLICK HERE

Nitazenes 2-benyzl-benzimadazoles 2-benyzl-benzimadazoles My Story This is your About page. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do and what your site has to offer. Your users are genuinely interested in learning more about you, so don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes to create a more friendly quality. Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to provide any personal details you want to share with your followers. Include interesting anecdotes and facts to keep readers engaged. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement. Contact I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890

HRVic's PAMS phone service provides info around Methadone/Suboxone/Subutex programs in Victoria PAMS FOR PHARMACOTHERAPY PROVIDERS We have the know-how you need. General Practitioners & Prescribers This section has been created to be a one-stop shop for pharmacotherapy providers. We have all the forms available or links to the forms for GPs here on our website. (including permits, resources & links to research & documents of interest etc) PAMS is funded to work on any pharmacotherapy, client-related issue or concern. PAMS provides short-term case management until the primary problem or issue of concern has been resolved. Please note, we do not work with patients who are on other S8 opioids – unless they wish to start a pharmacotherapy program. GP’s can contact PAMS or refer a pharmacotherapy patient if: You feel it's essential to start a patient on the program today, however, they don't have the money to pay for the first dose / few doses You have a patient who is re-starting a program and can't locate a dispensing point (possibly due to a poor track record in terms of payment or behaviour, or because there are no vacancies or because there are no service providers where the patient resides) You've had to terminate a patient from their pharmacotherapy program with your service and you would like PAMS to source a new GP prescriber You have a pharmacotherapy patient who informs you that they are not able to continue dosing at their current pharmacy (for whatever reason) and a new dosing point needs to be sourced asap You have the capacity to take on more pharmacotherapy patients You are retiring or leaving your current practice and need to find vacancies with other GP prescribers for some of your pharmacotherapy patients You have a problem with a specific pharmacotherapy patient or group of patients (that has not been mentioned above) and you think we might be able to help You have a patient or number of patients who are express concern about an aspect of their pharmacotherapy program and you feel this needs to be reported You need an independent third party (PAMS worker) to help negotiate a treatment agreement for a patient who has been difficult to manage in your clinic If you have a pharmacotherapy client related problem and you are unsure how we can help, give us a call. If we can’t assist, we will point you in the right direction. PAMS operates 11AM to 5PM , Monday to Friday via a state-wide telephone number PH: 1800 443 844. Please LEAVE A DETAILED MESSAGE on the answering machine after hours or if the phone is engaged. One of our busy staff will return your call as soon as they become available. (Please don't forget your name and phone number) LINKS & FORMS for GPs NEED MORE PAMS PROMO MATERIAL? Fill in the form below to receive more PAMS promotional material. Please allow 7-14 days for delivery.

Bayside The Bayside areas covers Albert Park to Mordialloc to Clayton, Malvern to Toorak. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) unless it states otherwise. Access Health 31 Grey Street, St Kilda Walk-in covid vaccine clinic Friday 1st October 2pm –4pm Friday 8th October 2pm-5pm Friday 15th October 2pm-5pm Prahran Townhall Book your COVID-19 vaccination on the Star Health website. Malvern Town Hall, 1251 High Street, Malvern Opening hours – Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm Priority client cohorts - individual and group bookings can be arranged by our internal COVID Helpline on 8644 3311 Walk in appointments for priority clients and VCE students. Sacred Heart Mission 87 Grey Street St Kilda: Vaccine clinic: every Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am- 2pm Port Melbourne Town Hall 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Opening hours – Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm Priority individual and group bookings can be arranged by our internal COVID Helpline on 8644 3311 Walk in appointments for priority clients and VCE students. More Coming Soon Stay tuned for more locations. FIND A PHARMACY BAYSIDE

Feedback or Complaints As your community based organisation, HRVic welcome any feedback, comment and/or complaint. We want to know what we've got right and also when we've missed the mark. Help us to be the best organisation we can be. First Name (optional) Last Name (optional) Email (optional) Feedback and Comments Do you want a response from HRVic? * Required Yes please! I want answers! No. I just needed to vent. Send Thanks for your feedback!

Drug overdose peer education for drug users and staff who work with people who use drugs. Program of Harm Reduction Victoria OVERDOSE. What is an overdose? An overdose happens when a toxic amount of a drug or a combination of drugs causes a severe adverse reaction. This can happen because too much is taken or because of mixing different substances. This includes alcohol. Combining drugs increases the chances of overdose. Types of Overdose Different substances / types of substances and their overdose symptoms. Stimulant Overdose Stimulants include: Methamphetamine or ice, and Amphetamines incl. dexamphetamine or speed, Cocaine, Caffeine, etc. Some signs of a stimulant drug overdose are: increase in body temperature/overheating muscle cramps/ spasms /headaches chest pains/ heart attack seizures very large pupils rapid/irregular pulse rapid breathing/breathing problems confusion psychosis / delusions/ paranoia / hallucinations overwhelming sense of dread Depressant Overdose Depressants include: Opioids incl. heroin, nitazenes*,oxycodone, codeine, methadone and buprenorphine, Benzodiazepines, Barbituates, Tranquilizers and Alcohol Some signs of a depressant drug overdose are: vomiting being unresponsive, but awake limp body pale and/or clammy face bluish fingernails and/or lips shallow or erratic breathing, or not breathing at all slow or erratic pulse (heartbeat) choking sounds or a gurgling noise loss of consciousness death Psychadelic Overdose Psychadelics include: LSD, psilocybin(magic mushrooms), DMT, 2C-b and other 2C analogues, Ayahuasca, Mescaline Some of the perceived harms of psychedelics – for example, that they lead to addiction and are neurotoxic – are largely refuted by research of the past decades. Other risks, such as the risks of psychotic episodes or overdose, are rare and only reported in individual cases. TO BE CONTINUED. RECOGNISE OVERDOSE SIGNS OPIOID APPEARANCE •Clammy or cold skin •Blue lips or nails •Pinpoint pupils •Body limp ACTIONS •Slow or no breaths •Unusual snoring or gurgling •Choking CONSCIOUSNESS •Can’t talk or walk •Can’t stay awake •Won’t wake up •Unresponsive LEARN ABOUT NALOXONE HERE GO TO NALOXONE PAGE NYXOID- naloxone nasal spray Play Video naloxone ampoules HD Play Video NYXOID- naloxone nasal spray Play Video naloxone ampoules HD Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close The Take Home Naloxone Program The Take Home Naloxone (THN) Programs aim is to make the temporary opioid reversal medicine, naloxone, free and available without a prescription to people who are at risk of, or who may witness, an opioid overdose or adverse reaction. The 2022-23 Federal Budget included $19.6 million (over four years), for a national, ongoing THN Program. The program was initially piloted in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia before being expanded to Victoria and the rest of the states from 1 July 2022.. Read More RECOGNISE the Symptoms AND RESPOND to Overdoses of Different Substances There is a risk of overdose with ANY substance. Here are a few different substances; How to Recognise overdose symptoms and How to Respond to them: CLICK on the Substance Recognise & Respond: Opioid Overdose Recognise & Respond: Stimulant Overdose Recognise & Respond to Hallucinogen Overdose Recognise & Respond to GHB Overdose Recognise & Respond to BenzoOverdose Recognise & Respond to Alcohol Overdose Straight Shooters Play Video Naloxone administration is childs play Play Video naloxone ampoules HD Play Video Straight Shooters Play Video Naloxone administration is childs play Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Close

Contact Harm Reduction Victoria for more info on becoming a member, booking or sponsoring supplies to DanceWize or to book a workshop or training session contact us on info@hrvic.org.au Become a member of Harm Reduction Victoria today! HRVic is a uniquely peer driven, peer run and peer governed community organisation for people who use drugs. Harm Reduction Victoria Inc . ABN: 46 114 268 362 Street Address 299-305 Victoria Street Brunswick VIC 3056 Postal Address PO Box 87 Brunswick VIC 3056 Phone: (03) 9329 1500 Email: info@hrvic.org.au

South East & Mornington Peninsula The huge South East area covers from Dandenong to Warneet to Druin to Narre Warren and back to Emerald. Until there are more to post we have added the Mornington Peninsula to this list also. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) unless it states otherwise. Dandenong pop-up clinic Palm Plaza (off Clow Street) Dandenong The Dandenong pop-up clinic will be open from 9am to 5pm daily, 7 days per week. No appointment is necessary, just turn up. Call beforehand to see if still open. Frankston Community Vaccination Hub Level 1, Balmoral Building, Shannon Mall, Bayside Shopping Centre Call for opening hours. Free parking is available for people getting vaccinated. Our staff will give you an exit pass to use as you leave. Please park in one of the Bayside Centre car parks. The closest parking is the undercover car park which can be accessed via Olsen Street St (off Beach St) or Balmoral St (off Young St). Coming Soon Stay tuned for more locations. Springvale City Hall 18 Grace Park Ave, Springvale. The clinic has been specially set up to cater to members of Springvale’s diverse communities, particularly those from South East Asia and Buddhist communities. Interpreters will be available, to assist people who speak Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi and Khmer. Call to see if still operating. Peninsula Health – Point Nepean Road Suite 5 – 1533 Point Nepean Road Capel Sound Walk-in capacity is available, however bookings are encouraged to ensure we are able to accommodate you on the day. Coming Soon Stay tuned for more locations. FIND A PHARMACY SOUTH EAST & MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Sarah Hiley-Drug Checking Director Vic Pill Testing Service PODCAST Interview On the 29th January, Sarah Hiley, the Drug Checking Director of the Victorian Pill Testing Service, sat down with Jack Crnjanin on ‘Well, Well, Well’- JOY FM's health and HIV hour. Hear about how harm reduction and specifically drug checking at events and in the community is a game changer. What the service requires of you to use it, why the service trial is only at certain events and what it's been finding! Sarah walks us through the testing process, from anonymous sample submission to rapid results, and highlights the limits and accuracy of the analyses. The service will be present at Victoria’s Pride Street Party, offering a safe, non‑judgmental space for festival‑goers to have their substances tested. Listen to it HERE Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell . Link to Podcast COMMUNITY ADVICE - Jan. 22/2026 Feelin' hot hot hot! FORECAST THIS WEEKEND for VICTORIA : PARTIES, FESTIVALS and EVENTS WITH A PROBABILITY OF HEAT HEAT HEAT!!! As of Thursday 22 at 12:50pm the weather calls for: Fri- 26 degrees Sat- 39 degrees!! Sun- 27 degrees Heat and substances don't mix well! If you are attending one of the many big parties or events on this weekend, remember that mixing MDMA or other stimulants with heat, humidity, and dehydration and dancing can cause hyperthermia (overheating). Hyperthermia has led to deaths and hospitalisations at Australian festivals. This risk is increased at outdoor events in hot weather with big crowds and little shade with banging music you just have to dance to! Ways to reduce the risk of hyperthermia or heat exhaustion: * Take Breaks & Hydrate - regularly, in the shade, and rest often. * Avoid OVER Hydrating! - Sip water slowly but regularly. When Active: no more than 500ml/hour. At Rest: no more than 250ml / hour * "Start Low & Go Slow" - Take 1/2 your usual dose. Re-dose AFTER the peak (+2hrs) You can always take more but you CANT take less after the fact. * Wait to 'drop' until AFTER the hottest time of the day. * Get your drugs checked! - The Victorian Pill Testing service's fixed site at 95 Brunswick St, Fitzroy is FREE, LEGAL and ANONYMOUS! and is open longer over summer- THURS 10am-4pm, FRI 1pm-7pm and SAT 1pm-7pm The Victorian Pill Testing Service Mobile tent will be at Dangerous Goods from 2:30pm-8:30pm. They will be located next to our very own Dancewize tent . Drop in if you need to refill your water, or need advice from peers. or just to say g'day! Look after yourselves and eachother! #VPTS #HRVIC #dancewize #harmreductionworks #victorianpilltestingservice #checkyourselfbeforeyouwreckyourself #staycool Harm Reduction Victoria STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2029 For the purposes of this plan, we use the term ‘our communities’ but far from owning our communities, we believe we are owned by them. Our strength comes from the lived and living peer experience of our communities, our team, our members, and our board. On behalf of the Harm Reduction Victoria Board, I am pleased to present our Strategic Plan for 2025 – 2029 Read Now Harm Reduction Victoria - Annual General Meeting Harm Reduction Victoria invites it's members: Wednesday, the 10th of December at 3-5pm at Harm Reduction Victoria’s office at: 299-305 Victoria Street, Brunswick VIC 3056. Annual Report 24-25 International Drug Users Day 2025 HRVic Scavenger Hunt & Community Dinner Friday November 7th @ 5pm-9pm @299-305 Victoria St Brunswick @ HRVic office/NSP!! JOIN A HUGE SCAVENGER HUNT to celebrate International Drug Users Day 2025!! Starting at 5pm, you will be sent on a short scavenger hunt within a 2-3 block radius of Harm Reduction Victoria, to find and solve a series of riddles and problems! There are HEAPS OF PRIZES TO BE WON!! And then JOIN US for A COMMUNITY DINNER BBQ at 7pm to see out the end of the week! FREE TO PLAY AND FREE TO EAT!!! Come have some FUN!! See you all there!!! #gottafindemall #HRVIC #harmreduction #communitydinner #freefeed #idud2025 International Overdose Awareness Day Statement “International Overdose Awareness Day is a day of solidarity with our communities. We honour every person lost to overdose and acknowledge the strength of those who carry that loss every day. Through programs like our Drug Overdose Prevention Education we are able to leverage the growing availability of naloxone in Victoria and get naloxone into more hands and prevent these deaths. Today we also welcome and acknowledge that the Victorian Department of Health and Safer Care Victoria have affirmed that non-clinical workforces in health and community services can use naloxone in their roles and that it is not precluded by legislation.1 This follows a previous statement by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority clarifying their indemnity coverage for naloxone administration by a range of workers in insured organisations.2 International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us that every life lost to overdose is preventable. Together, by breaking down stigma, expanding harm reduction, and listening to the voices of people with lived and living experience, we can build a Victoria where fewer families are left grieving and more people are supported to live healthier, safer lives. Sione Crawford- CEO, Harm Reduction Victoria READ Full Statement Aug 21 2025: New drug checking service has OPENED at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy finally! Today we're opening for services at 95 Brunswick St, as part of the new, trial, Victorian Pill Testing Service. Harm Reduction Victoria have been busy working with our partner organisations and the Department of Health on Victoria's 18 month "implementation trial" of this new harm reduction initiative. As we know, governments like to do "trials" for this kind of thing these days - although they have changed the laws and committed to it long-term. A big part of this trial is running a fixed-site service at 95 Brunswick St for a period of 12 months. And today, Thursday 21st of August, we are open for business!! Opening hours for the coming weeks are: Thursday 12pm - 4pm Friday 3pm - 7pm Saturday 1pm - 7pm READ MORE May 29 2025 C The Whole Story Forum C the Whole Story Forum III: Advancing Integration of Hepatitis C Care Registrations are now open for ASHM's C the Whole Story Forum. This free, online forum includes expert-led discussions and interactive sessions on the innovative ways hepatitis C care is being integrated across housing, mental health, and AOD settings. Register for the C the Whole Story Forum III on the ASHM website: (click button) REGISTER NOW Harm Reduction Living and Lived Experience Workforce Discipline Specific Framework Created by Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic), in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health aand the organisations of living and lived experience workforce development project. Read HRPW Framework It's at Beyond the Valley. It's FREE. It's Anonymous. It's Drug Checking. 1/1 ‘Mind-boggling’: Victorian outreach workers decry double standard for lifesaving overdose drug naloxone MONDAY 12.08.2024, The Guardian FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/12/mind-boggling-victorian-health-workers-decry-double-standard-for-lifesaving-overdose-drug-naxolone Untrained bystanders can legally administer the opioid-reversal treatment – but frontline workers face a legal risk if they do not first call triple zero. Richie Goonan- Youth Projects, Sione Crawford- HRVic and Chris Christoforou- VAADA talk to The Guardian around the governments confusing stance on naloxone provision Vs. administration indemnity for non clinical frontline workers who need to be able to administer the life saving medication but are unallowed to do so. Despite Victoria last year joining a federally funded program that expanded access to naloxone, a lifesaving overdose-reversal medication, frontline drug workers are met with a legal hurdle that prevents them from administering it without first calling triple zero. If they (frontline workers) face litigation due to attempting to save a life by administering naloxone, they may not be covered by any indemnity scheme if they have not spoken to an emergency services operator first. Health experts are warning about the looming threat of strong synthetic opioids, called nitazenes, to Australian drug users, shining a light on the importance of access to naloxone to treat overdoses – with researchers calling for more Australian pharmacies to stock the drug. Last month police confirmed that a synthetic opioid had been detected in the bodies of four people found dead in Melbourne in June. Naloxone – available as an injection and nasal spray – can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose or an adverse reaction. But Goonan says a nurse outreach worker at his service spent two minutes on hold with emergency services while trying to help someone experiencing an overdose. “Two minutes is an extremely long time when you’ve got someone with really shallow breathing, lips going blue,” he says. Click on link to read the whole article. Published 12.08.2024 by The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/12/mind-boggling-victorian-health-workers-decry-double-standard-for-lifesaving-overdose-drug-naxolone Victoria Needs A Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan Potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and nitazenes have contributed the thousands of overdoses in other countries. In 2022, they contributed to approximately 80,000 fatal overdoses in the USA. In Australia, there have been recent health alerts indicating that illicit drugs such as cocaine have been adulterated with a range of substances, with an increasing number of alerts involving different nitazenes. While Australia has so far avoided a surge in the prevalence of these substances, a police seizure of over 11kg of fentanyl in late 2021 highlights the rapidity with which illicit drug markets could be flooded with these substances. Without access to a safer, regulated drug supply and widespread availability of harm reduction services; this would surely result in a rapid surge in overdoses and the grief that follows; it would also rapidly overwhelm our health system. In acknowledgement of this risk, Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) have developed a paper calling for the sector and the Victorian Government to work together on developing and delivering a Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan. Sione Crawford, CEO of HRVic, says, ‘Victoria is putting in place some good foundations with drug checking promised but we also know we have no time to lose. While so far potent opioid detections have seemed like isolated incidents; we are at the point where these incidents appear to be a pattern and now require a more coordinated response. We need to ensure that all stakeholders are viewing this threat through a public health lens and we need to rapidly convene experts and communities of people who use drugs to support the response. We do not want the community to be grieving any more friends and family in the coming months and years.” Chris Christoforou, CEO of VAADA says, ‘emergency preparedness in the interests of public health is essential. When crises or natural disasters occur, having a plan that can support those most at risk and those most likely to respond first is crucial. This is why we have worked with Harm Reduction Victoria to develop this paper. By continuing to take a health led approach, and prioritising harm reduction measures, we offer a framework for a Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan to keep Victorians safe. It is through being prepared that we can best avoid the human toll from fentanyl and nitazenes currently being experienced in North America.’ Our paper can be accessed via link below. Recommendation: Establish a Synthetic Opioids Taskforce under the direction of the Chief AOD Officer to develop and operationalise a Potent Synthetic Opioids Plan, drawing on this framework to ensure that any harms which may occur due to a surge in potent synthetic opioids in Victoria are mitigated. For more information or to arrange an interview please contact David Taylor on 0413 914 206. Read HRVic/VAADA Paper Here Download .PDF Media Release DRUG ALERT JULY 2024 (Naarm/Melbourne, Victoria, and VIC wide) !!**COCAINE adulterated with opioid PROTONITAZENE**!! A white powder sold as cocaine in Melbourne has been found to contain the potent synthetic opioid 'protonitazene'. There have been recent serious harms in Naarm/Melbourne associated with a 'white powder' sold as COCAINE that contained the potent opioid PROTONITAZENE. The product appears to produce strong adverse effects such as loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and life-threatening hypoxia. (lack of oxygen in your blood). Protonitazene is faster acting and is much stronger (100x) than heroin. It is important for everyone- REGARDLESS of the substance you are planning to take- to CARRY NALOXONE. **CARRY ON YOU!!- not keep in a cupboard at home or leave in your car glove box- It could mean the difference between life and death for someone. Naloxone is a FREE, easy-to-use, easy to get medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose – it is safe to use even if you are not sure whether someone has taken opioids. HRVic does FREE naloxone administration training EVERY 1st of the month and can also do 1 on 1 training from the NSP every day. Naloxone can be accessed at HRVic's NSP and at participating pharmacies, other needle and syringe programs and from the medically supervised injecting centre. You can find an approved naloxone provider on the Take Home Naloxone program webpage. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/aod-treatment-services/victorias-take-home-naloxone-program Protonitazene is one of the many NITAZENES that have been circulating throughout Australia over the past couple of years. Read more about the types of Nitazenes and their effects in the latest WHACK magazine OUT NOW at your local NSP or click HERE. If you are an HRVic Member and have not yet received a copy in the mail, email us at info@hrvic.org.au to UPDATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP. If you have any questions or want more info visit the Dept of Health alert : https://www.health.vic.gov.au/drug-alerts/cocaine-adulterated-with-protonitazene or HRVic's Overdose page on our website: www.hrvic.org.au/dope Be safe out there! Harm Reduction Victoria Welcomes Drug Checking Trial for Victoria As Victoria’s peer-based harm reduction organisation for people who use drugs, Harm Reduction Victoria welcomes the Allan Government’s announcment of a drug checking trial over the next 18 months. HRVic commend the Allan Government for listening to the evidence, experts, and most of all the wider community! We applaud their commitment to both a fixed site and mobile outreach services, and for planning to make this "important health service” permanent beyond the 18-month implementation period. As the premier's statement lays out- the trial is set to begin this summer, with mobile services attending up to 10 music festivals and events and a fixed site to also open at a yet to be disclosed site "located in an inner Melbourne area close to nightlife and transport". around mid-2025. "The government states that these services will be able to test the make-up of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals, or liquids and identify harmful chemicals that can lead to death. Importantly, they said "Trained peer workers and technical experts will be present during testing to provide personalised and confidential health information to help people make better, safer and more informed decisions." Read both the Government's press release and HRVic's statement in the below links. HUZAAH! READ FULL HRVic STATEMENT READ Premier's Statement HRVic SOCIAL MEDIA Drug Checking: Principles of Practice. A model for Victoria MAY 2024 Harm Reduction Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association are pleased to publish the paper Drug Checking: Principles of Practice. A Model for Victoria. This paper has been written by Professor Kate Seear in consultation with sector experts who have experience in running drug checking services along with people who are likely to use such a service. The paper presents a preferred model for drug checking in Victoria, providing principles for equitable access, an approach to reducing harms for those intending to use drugs, and the establishment of a real time public alert system that can keep our community safe. It provides the Victorian Government with expert advice on a best practice model, with budgetary considerations and guiding principles to inform how such a service should operate. Whilst drug checking is often associated with festivals and events where substances may be consumed, it has broader application, as identified by the Coroners Court with most fatalities related to dangerous substances occurring outside of a festival setting. Drug checking has now been recommended in seven Victorian coronial findings. The paper proposes a fixed site drug checking service in Melbourne where people can attend to have a sample examined, with mobile vans in place to outreach to regional and rural communities. The service would be part of a wider public early warning system, which would allow health authorities to communicate in real time should the presence of hazardous additive substances be identified "Drug checking services never recommend that a substance is completely safe to use." Drug Checking provides individuals an opportunity to see what they are taking and the chance to reconsider consuming it if they find adulterants or toxic doses in it. International evidence shows that up to 86% of people will discard a substance should they be informed that it is adulterated. A drug checking service for Victoria is smart public health policy. It will reduce the possibility of exposure to and use of toxic cutters and adulterants and provide an early warning system for the State to communicate about hazardous substances that are in the community before more people are exposed which reduces demand on our overburdened health system and first responders. Help our communities to help ourselves. Importantly it is an essential frontline defence against the threat of potent synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and nitazenes, which continue to bear catastrophic consequences overseas. Harm Reduction Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association are committed to working with the Victorian Government to reduce the harms of drug prohibition in our community through evidence informed, health and peer led solutions. READ THE REPORT HERE A pink and white capsule sold as ‘3C-P’ in Melbourne contains the potent opioid protonitazene. The Department of Health has issued a new Drug Alert about a pink and white capsule or white powder sold as ‘3C-P’ or in Melbourne containing the potent opioid protonitazene. Opioids are central nervous system depressants, typically producing a range of effects including pain relief, sedation and respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing). Respiratory depression often appears more quickly with novel synthetic opioids (NSOs), increasing the risk of life-threatening overdose. Protonitazene is an extremely potent NSO, which means it can produce strong effects in very small amounts. There has been one serious recent hospitalisation in Victoria associated with this pink and white capsule. Due to the potency of NSOs, the product produces strong adverse opioid effects such as loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and life-threatening hypoxia (insufficient oxygen for normal functioning). It’s important to know the signs of opioid overdose and to carry naloxone to reverse opioid overdose . HRVic has naloxone available for FREE from our NSP at 299-305 Victoria St Brunswick. We can also do one on one training with you if you don't know how to use. Or check out o ur info on naloxone on our 'Recognise & Respond to Overdose' page. Anyone who experiences adverse drug effects or is present when someone has an unexpected reaction to a drug should seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). 23 April 2024 Listen to People Who Use Drugs: More Injecting Rooms & More Peer Leadership! The HRVic response to the Hon. Jacinta Allan’s ‘Statewide Action Plan to Reduce the Harms of Drug Use' We express our deep disappointment at the announcement by the Victorian Government to reject a second injecting room in the Melbourne CBD. The lack of safe spaces to consume drugs is driving overdose rates and resulting in significant harms to our community. The government has instead announced a “State-Wide Action Plan To Save Lives and Reduce Drug Harm ”, that includes a range of measures to address overdoses across the state; including more pharmacotherapy, naloxone and “care and support”, as well as starting the development of a statewide AOD strategy. Essentially implementing all of the recommendations in the Ken Lay report, “except for one” - a second injecting room. “These are welcome investments; although they would be more effective alongside an injecting room. We will be watching closely to ensure that people who use drugs; the actual community of people directly affected by this issue; are meaningfully included in the design and implementation of all of these new investments.” - Sione Crawford, CEO of Harm Reduction Victoria. We know that operating large, Medically Supervised Injecting Rooms, such as the one in North Richmond, is an expensive and logistically complicated operation. We know that the Victorian Government was unable to convince businesses and residents in the CBD to overcome their fear and stigma around these services. But what we also know; is that these injecting rooms don’t have to be so large, so expensive and so medically supervised. Successful examples from around the world involve fewer medical staff, less clinical oversight and an expanded role for peer support and community-based harm reduction interventions. These are ultimately less expensive and more effective. “The Government’s new State-Wide Action Plan and forthcoming drug strategy must include many, smaller, peer-based safer drug consumption spaces. This will reduce the burden on amenity in surrounding areas and truly empower people who use drugs to keep ourselves, our friends and our communities safe from overdose and drug-related harms.” For further comment, contact Harm Reduction Victoria: (03) 9329 1500 Frankston Healthcare Clinic 06.03.2024 No further updates. More Harm Reduction and Healthcare, Not more Cops and Dogs at Festivals 17.01.2024 Community Statement Re. MDMA & Heat and Drug Checking in VIC in 2024 After the recent unfortunate hospitalisations at last week's music festivals due to a mix of mostly MDMA and hot weather, community and experts are crying out for a change but despite this outcry and the coroner's ongoing recommendations for drug checking in Victoria, it feels like we are no closer to drug-checking. On the ABC Melbourne morning radio show yesterday, the Premier was asked straight up, when we will get drug checking in our state. The good news is she did not rule it out. She also namechecked our amazing program, DanceWize. DanceWize-a harm reduction event care program, run by Harm Reduction Victoria, was contracted to provide peer led event care and drug harm reduction education at both events, however, with our 25 extensively trained community volunteers, 2 paid staff, and limited resources, it's tough. We handed out free water, sunscreen, and gave harm reduction advice to the 35k strong crowds, but reaching everyone is always a challenge. DanceWize is a vital frontline service, relying on dedicated community volunteers from all backgrounds for peer harm reduction advice and personalised care at events. The government's move to increase Police sniffer dog (PAD) and search operations was short-sighted, making people more likely to take drugs in riskier ways. READ COMPLETE STATEMENT HERE HR23 16-19 April 2023 To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Harm Reduction Victoria and DanceWize: HardMission 2023 Medical Episodes Media Statement 08.01.2024 Sione Crawford, Harm Reduction Victoria CEO said, “In the absence of a legal drug-checking service in Victoria, DanceWize is one of the only ways to help keep people safe when they take illicit drugs at festivals in our state, but we already stretch ourselves to keep up with demand.” DanceWize was contracted to provide peer-based harm reduction health promotion and a care space for patrons, for the HardMission event on Saturday the 6th of January. Our thoughts are with the people who were affected by the adverse health events, as well as their friends and family and the health care workers involved. None of the eight medical episodes that were escalated to critical care by the medical services involved the DanceWize service or volunteers. We work closely with medical services and it appears that this stressful circumstance was handled very well. Read Full Statement Here COMMUNITY ALERT ⚠️WARNING!!⚠️ Stronger than usual heroin seems to be in circulation across Narrm/metro Melbourne city and outer suburbs to the Geelong area. There have been multiple reports of very strong gear across all areas of Melbourne, and some from Geelong as well. ❗️ Please be careful and look after each other while using! . ❗️Check on anyone that you come across who appears to be passed out ( e.g. on the street, public transport etc. Please don't worry about waking or 'bothering' someone if you could be saving their life! ❗️CALL 000 IMMEDIATELY if you can not wake them. WHAT DOES OPIOID OVERDOSE LOOK LIKE? 🔵discoloured skin (blue or ashen/grey), often around the mouth 😮💨shallow or slowed breathing (less than 12 breaths per minute) 🥶cold, clammy skin 🤮vomit or choking 😴snoring/gurgling (sometimes called a “death rattle”) 😵UNRESPONSIVE or NO CLEAR RESPONSE #drugalert #heroin #communityPSA #carrynaloxone #stopoverdose DRUG CHECKING: VIC DRUG LAW REFORM 77 agencies want a drug checking system in Victoria -aligning with 4 Victorian coronial findings. This will save lives and provide vital information on potentially harmful adulterants that may be in substances prior to consumption. #drugchecking #harmreduction #sayknowtodrugs #wedeservetochoose #drugcheckinginvictoria #druglawreform The statement can be found here from 8.30am Monday 23 October: READ HERE In Solidarity. OCT 25.2023: Statement of Support of DULF & Condemnation of DULF founders sudden arrest FULL STATEMENT July 5, 2023 Expressions Of Interest EOIs CLOSED The Royal Commission into the Victorian Mental Health System, highlighted that lived experience led service delivery and partnership in decision making is a key strategy for reform. The lived experience leadership strategy project will encompass lived & living experience leadership across Mental health, AOD and Harm Reduction, and will seek to answer questions about LE workforce, partnership, leadership and the barriers needing to be overcome to guide the LE leadership strategy The Department of Health has been funded SHARC to engage, contract and support LE technical experts to contribute and help guide the project coordinator around the LLE technical experts areas of expertise: Mental Health – Consumers Mental Health – Family & Carers AOD – Consumers AOD – Family & Carers Harm Reduction The LE leadership strategy project is seeking a number of experienced LE technical experts with extensive experience in working from a lived or living experience particularly at a strategic and systems level. A call for expression of interest is now open, see document attached, EOI form needs to be completed and sent in by end of day 23rd July 2023 For more information contact people are on page 6 of the EOI document. (ABOVE) Are you prescribed Methadone (liquid), Buprenorphine (Suboxone® / Subutex®) or paying for a monthly/weekly Buvidal® or Sublocade® injection at this Chemist? CHANGE IS COMING JULY 01 2023 FAQs DOWNLOAD .PDF If you have further questions, call the office on 03-93291500 or if you are having trouble call HRVic’s PAMS free phone service on 1800 443 844 (Monday-Friday 10:30AM-5PM) or click on the Australian Government's Department of Health & Aged Care PDF here > MORE INFO Our National peak organisation AIVL is holding an ONLINE Consumers Forum on the changes to ODT (Opioid Dependence Treatment) dosing fees on Friday 30 June at 3pm. Register HERE to attend this online Q&A forum for anyone on pharmacotherapy OVERDOSES KEEP ON KILLING US- IT'S TIME TO CHANGE Harm Reduction Victoria PUBLIC STATEMENT 31 AUGUST Intl. Overdose Awareness Day READ HERE DOWNLOAD Complete IOAD Rally 2022 Promo Kit Incl. social media tiles, posters, flyer and FB profile frame Download .zip DOWNLOAD Flyer ONLY .pdf to print Download Poster pdf CULTURAL WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following post contains the names and stories of proud Aboriginal women now resting in the Dreaming. The Inquest into the death of Ronnie Nelson Began This Week.... Veronica M Nelson: Inquest (vals.org.au) This case is imperative- firstly, to ensure justice for Veronica and secondly, for many of us, past and present, in the community. We at Harm Reduction Victoria are watching this inquest carefully to understand whether her health status is seen to have impacted on how she was treated and why it appears that basic duties of care were not followed in our Victorian system. This affects too many of us in similar situations. READ MORE Video Presentation The NarcoFeminism Story Share Project 22.03.22 HRVic are proud to share with our community, this amazing new video featuring the narcofeminism story share model of the North Carolina Urban Survivors Union. In this video we hear from womxn who use drugs as they share stories about their drug use, stigma, discrimination, pregnancy and parenting. Watch the video here : https://youtu.be/PnGcnR5eI8s Or listen to it as a podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LNsjjkJ4FQCo8ZRxEUWY5?si=UBR64KnbSxCnJEhpSBIolQ The story share model is an important tool for deconstructing the internalized narratives around the drug war. Traditional story share models often reinforce tropes and stigma we find in existing cultural narrative projects. Reproductive Harm Reduction is an inclusive powerful new paradigm focused on pregnant and parenting people who use drugs, and it was born from the Narcofeminism story share experience. Thank you so much to Louise Vincent for conceptualizing and coordinating this video, and to Drugreporter for overseeing the editing and production.

Inner East and East The Inner East and East areas cover all suburbs from Kew to Chirnside Park, out to Eltham to Warburton and back to Ferntree Gully and back to Caulfield. This list consists of the clinic names and their locations. If you click on their address you will open the google maps page for that location. To book at any of these locations, you will still need to call 1800 675 398 or through the online booking system (you need an email address to sign up) unless it states otherwise. EACH (Eastern Access Community Health) 47 Patterson Street, Ringwood East EACH (Eastern Access Community Health) & Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place to host pop-up COVID Vaccination Clinics for members of Indigenous communities in the outer east of Melbourne. Note: only the Pfizer vaccine is available Clinic dates: Thursday 14th October (1st dose) and Thursday 11th November 2021 (2nd dose) 10AM to 4PM at 47 Patterson Street, Ringwood East By appointment only Register at https://forms.gle/AVGnzvj9UFotzeaQ9 Free taxi services are available, please call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. COMING SOON Stay tuned for more locations. FIND A PHARMACY INNER EAST & EAST

Bloody Serious Facts is the original Hep C workshop developed by people with lived experience of hep C & healthcare professionals specifically designed for AOD workers, nurses, NSP workers, community health staff, students of health professions BLOODY SERIOUS FACTS Online & Face To Face Hepatitis C Training St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Harm Reduction Victoria have partnered to provide an interactive workshop on hepatitis C. Learn about prevention, transmission and the latest treatment available. Hear, from lived experience about the impact of living with the virus Bloody Serious Facts is a hands-on workshop that was developed and is run by healthcare professionals and people with lived experience of Hep C. This training is suitable for AOD workers, nurses, NSP workers, community health or anyone who works with people who are affected by hepatitis C. All welcome. The 2.0 hour session covers: Back to Basics of Hep C : Testing, Transmission, Diagnoses and Treatment-Everything you wanted to know about this amazingly resilient but treatable virus. Treatments - Then and Now : Keeping up to date with the direct acting anti virals that are changing people's lives. The Impact & Meaning of Being Hep C + : An insight into living with Hep C and the treatment journey by a person with lived experience. A Practical Exercise : The not so obvious risks of transmission during the mixing up and injecting process. *f2f Training Location: Harm Reduction Victoria 299-305 Victoria St. Brunswick Cost: FREE Places are limited so please register now to secure your spot. Register By Clicking On Link Below 8th APRIL online 10am - 12pm REGISTERAPRIL8 19th MAY f2f* 9:30am - 12:30pm REGISTER MAY19 14th JULY online 10am - 12pm REGISTERJULY14 15th SEPT f2f* 9:30am - 12:30pm REGISTERSEPT15 17th NOV online 10am - 12pm REGISTERNOV17 Please contact janed@hrvic.org.au if you are unsure about your event date or Be sure that you have booked the correct date for you! FAQs Q: What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event? A: For people who need to drive in, there is a small amount of free and paid parking surrounding the HRVic Office however, if you can avoid bringing a car, there is ample public transport options. We are directly across from Brunswick train station and 1 block down from Sydney Rd. trams. Q: Could I get something to prove I have completed the training for my work or personal resume, like a certificate? A: If you or your work require proof of attendance or completion of the training, please ask Jane prior to the date of your training. Q: "My organisation is located in rural Victoria and it's difficult for us to reach the city for the start time or we want to run one of these sessions for more than 10 of our workers at our location, do you do Bloody Serious Facts training on other sites for organisations?" A: Just like we do with our communities, we can work with you where you are at! We can travel to you or offer an online option. Email us for details and enquiries at janed@hrvic.org.au or call (03)9329 1500

WHAT IS HARM REDUCTION? Harm Reduction is a way of promoting health and preventing drug related harm that meets people where they are at. Harm reduction focuses on reducing the risks and adverse health consequences associated with unsafe drug use, in particular HIV and viral hepatitis. Harm reduction programs have been shown to lower risk of HIV and hepatitis transmission for drug users by offering information and assistance in a non-judgmental manner. Important Principles of Harm Reduction Include: A non-judgmental approach that treats every person with dignity, compassion, and respect. Use of evidence-based and cost-effective practices to prevent and reduce drug related harm Active and meaningful participation of drug users and community stakeholders in shaping sensible policies and practices around drug use Focus on enhancing quality of life for individuals and communities, rather than promoting cessation of all drug use Recognition of the determinants of health and the complex interplay of social factors that influence vulnerability to drug-related harm, including poverty, social inequality and discrimination Empowerment of drug users as the primary agents in reducing drug related harms Commitment to defending universal human rights. Harm reduction activities and interventions to improve the health and quality of life for people who use drugs and their communities, include: Peer education- people who use drugs informing and educating people who use drugs Needle and syringe programs (NSPs); Pharmacotherapies (ORT) for drug dependence, including methadone and suboxone; Voluntary testing for HIV, viral hepatitis and other STIs or blood borne infections; Confidential pre and post-test discussion and counselling Access to treatment for HIV and hepatitis C & B and other STIs Provision of primary health care including wound care and vein care Overdose prevention activities, including peer distribution of Naloxone and first aid training; Referral to drug treatment programs as requested. Some other forms of Harm Reduction include: Seatbelts in vehicles Cancer Screening Wearing bicycle helmets Using condoms Sun screen and sun protection Nicotine patches/gum ALL IN A NAME... As our name suggests (Harm Reduction Victoria), HARM REDUCTION is our stock and trade and all the information on our website is based on a ‘harm reduction’ approach to drug use. ‘Harm reduction’ recognizes that abstinence (i.e. quitting drugs altogether) isn’t realistic or possible for everyone. However, this should not disqualify drug users from the same chances and choices about health care as non-users. By learning about drugs and ways to reduce the harms associated with drug use, you are empowering yourself to make informed choices. HRVic’s website provides you with non-judgmental, accurate, up to date information so that you can make healthy choices for yourself . Rather than re-inventing the wheel, we have included links to other excellent websites, and to other drug user organisations, for all the information you need to stay safe. HARM REDUCTION VS HARM MINIMISATION Aren't they the same thing? In a word? No. Since 1985 Australia’s documented drug strategy has aimed to address the harmful use of licit drugs (tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs) , illicit drugs (heroin, cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants) and other psychoactive substances (e.g. inhalants) , using a harm minimisation approach. The principle of ‘harm minimisation’ provides the overarching framework for drug policy in Australia [1, 2] . There are multiple ways to minimise the harms to individuals and communities from drug use – reflecting this, the framework of harm minimisation encompasses the three pillars of demand reduction , harm reduction , and supply reduction [3] . Harm minimisation seeks a balance between these elements, and is regarded as an evidence-based and pragmatic approach [4] . This approach has facilitated collaboration across health, law enforcement and education, as well as partnerships between governments and with non-government agencies and community stakeholders. Ritter A, Lancaster K, Grech K, Reuter P (2011) Monograph No. 21: An assessment of illicit drug policy in Australia (1985-2010): Themes and trends. Sydney: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre Ritter A, Lancaster K (2013) Policy models and influences on policy processes. In: Ritter A, Hamilton M, King T, eds. Drug Use in Australian Society. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (2011) National Drug Strategy 2010-2015: A framework for action on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia Ritter A, Cameron J (2006) A review of the efficacy and effectiveness of harm reduction strategies for alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. Drug and Alcohol Review;25:611-624