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410.604.98
Harm Reduction: A Framework for Evidence-Based Policy and Practice

Course Status
Cancelled

Location
Barcelona, Spain
Note: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, this course was held in a virtual/online format.
Term
2nd Term
Department
Health, Behavior and Society
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2020 - 2021
Instruction Method
TBD
Start Date
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
End Date
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Class Time(s)
Tu, W, Th, 8:30am - 6:00pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
One Year Only
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:
  • 25% Team debate
  • 35% Livetalk attendance/participation
  • 40% Final presentation
Enrollment Restriction
undergraduates and interdivisional registration is not permitted for this course
Special Comments

This course will be taught for 3 days in Barcelona Spain. Some assigned readings must be completed prior to the first class session.