The harm reduction movement is gaining more ground every day. It’s crazy to think that a decade ago, the term itself was hardly known. While it’s tough to pinpoint an exact date of when it began, the opening of Insite in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is considered a major starting point for the Americas.
Since its opening in 2003, more than 3.6 million people (about the population of Metro Seattle) have safely injected drugs inside of Insite, the first legal drug injection site in North America. In the 15 years that have followed, harm reduction has gained so much ground worldwide, entire countries have adapted the model in an effort to combat the harm associated with illicit drug use.
Here in the PNW, there are many organizations that have taken the responsibility of providing harm reduction to events that include almost all of our favourite festivals. Groups like ANKORS (Kootenays), Indigo (Edmonton), Conscious Crew (Seattle/USC), and Karmik (Vancouver/Victoria) represent the front lines when it comes to providing harm reduction in our community—and now is your chance to become involved.
Both Karmik chapters of Vancouver and Victoria are now accepting applications for volunteers to join their upcoming summer schedule. In a movement that is still at its grassroots level, volunteers play an integral part to the success of harm reduction in our communities.
If you believe harm reduction makes a difference and want to become involved, Karmik is a great place to learn and grow with like-minded people. They provide harm reduction services for a number of well-known events, including Bamboo Bass, Paradiso, and Electric Love. Training is available free of cost and can only benefit you in the long run, plus you’ll get to attend festivals and events as your freaking JOB—how awesome is that?
With more help, the harm reduction movement will continue to grow and be an effective tool in our communities. It takes people like you! Click the corresponding link below to be redirected to the application page for the according city, and do what you can to help win the battle we’re all a part of.
Have you seen Karmik at any events you’ve attended lately? Share your thoughts on harm reduction below or on any of our socials!
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
