Harm Reduction Guide

The Harm Reduction Guide developed by the Canadian Federation of Students – Ontario, assists campus staff, students, and administrators in developing and implementing effective harm reduction strategies around substance use. It promotes a non-judgmental, pragmatic approach that acknowledges some level of drug use and focuses on reducing associated risks and harms rather than enforcing abstinence.   

The guide introduces core harm reduction concepts, outlines the differences between safer use, treatment, and recovery, and emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they’re at. It also highlights the need to address stigma and systemic barriers that impact access to care—especially for marginalized groups, including Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQIA+ students. 

The guide offers a offers a range of actionable resources, including needs assessment checklists, policy guidance, communication strategies, and recommendations for campus-based supports such as naloxone training, peer-led initiatives, and inclusive education campaigns. It encourages campuses to collaborate with local health services, adopt culturally responsive practices, and integrate harm reduction into broader student wellness frameworks.

The guide aims to support the creation of safer, more supportive learning environments by embedding harm reduction into campus culture, programs, and policies