Description: In this webinar learners will have an opportunity to take a deeper dive into harm reduction, where it came from, and the values and principles that form the foundation of harm reduction work or practice. Learners in the first session will examine the principles of harm reduction and the many ways in which it is practiced. Learners will be asked to reflect on their own guiding values in relation to harm reduction, and identify ways in which harm reduction can be incorporated into their workplace

Instructor: Rachael has spent the last 14 years working as a nurse in community health, infectious disease, clinical education and shelter/street outreach programs practicing a harm reduction philosophy of care. With extensive experience in program development, clinical teaching, and community engagement, Rachael is highly respected in her field of practice. Rachael was integral in the development and implementation of end-of-life care programming for vulnerable populations through the Calgary Allied Mobile Palliative Program (CAMPP), and most recently with the Assisted Self Isolation Site in response to the COVID-19 pandemic response for people who use substances and are experiencing homelessness. Rachael is a tireless advocate for low-threshold service provision, in the hopes of eliminating barriers for people who traditionally experience challenges in accessing health and social care services. Through her 14 years at the CUPS and 6 years with the CUPS Liver Clinic, Rachael has specialized in advocacy, education, screening, counselling and treatment of hepatitis C—this experience culminated in Rachael developing a strategic model for onsite and outreach liver clinics. Rachael is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health through the University of Victoria.