What is one goal of IDPH's prevention programs for substance use?

Promoting harm reduction strategies is a central goal of the Illinois Department of Public Health's (IDPH) prevention programs for substance use. Harm reduction emphasizes minimizing the negative health effects associated with substance use, rather than solely focusing on eradication or abstinence. These strategies may include providing access to clean needles, overdose education, and the availability of naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses. By adopting harm reduction approaches, IDPH aims not only to reduce the risks associated with substance use but also to promote safer practices among users, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

This approach recognizes that while the ideal scenario is for individuals to abstain from harmful substances entirely, the reality is that substance use can occur. Therefore, implementing harm reduction programs allows for a pragmatic solution that meets individuals where they are while still striving for healthier community dynamics.