410.604.11
Harm Reduction: A Framework for Evidence-Based Policy and Practice

Cancelled

Location
East Baltimore
Term
Summer Institute
Department
Health, Behavior and Society
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2020 - 2021
Instruction Method
TBD
Start Date
Monday, June 1, 2020
End Date
Friday, June 5, 2020
Class Time(s)
M, Tu, W, Th, F, 8:30 - 11:50am
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Susan Sherman
Karin Tobin
Contact Name
Susan Sherman
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Harm reduction strategies are important components of a comprehensive public health approach to substance use. 
Discusses a variety of harm reduction strategies as they pertain to substance use issues. Introduces various programs that address substance use problems from a harm reduction perspective. Describes the evidence base supporting harm reduction programs. Explores the complicated legal and contextual issues associated with implementation of harm reduction programs.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Summarize the principles of harm reduction as a part of a comprehensive public health approach to drug use and abuse
  2. Describe the current context of harm reduction and challenges for the implementation of such programs
  3. Critique various conceptualizations of drug use and abuse (e.g., brain vs. social disease vs. moral failing)
  4. Examine how drug regulation and criminalization (crack vs. cocaine; opioid vs. heroin) contribute to health disparities and how harm reduction approaches can reduce these disparities
  5. Explore the evidence (e.g., efficacy, cost effectiveness) of various harm reduction strategies (e.g., syringe exchange programs, naloxone, safe consumption spaces, medication assisted treatment, fentanyl testing)
  6. Develop and present a range of evidence-based arguments to gain broad support of implementing harm reduction programs
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 10% Reflection
  • 25% Group Work
  • 40% Final Policy Brief
  • 25% Final Presentation
Instructor Consent
No consent required