Saturday, May 7, marks the third annual International Harm Reduction Day (IHRD 2016), which is designed to promote evidence-based drug policies based on human rights and public health.

Harm reduction refers to strategies for lowering the negative consequences of drug use among those who are unable or unwilling to quit. Needle exchange programs are an example of harm reduction because they reduce the risk of spreading HIV and hepatitis C.

The yellow cross logo was created in Denmark as an international symbol for harm reduction and drug consumption rooms.

For more about International Harm Reduction Day, follow the social media hashtags #IHRD2016, #HarmReduction, #SupportDontPunish, #StopTheHarm and #RoomForChange.

To read about the syringe exchange program of CORNER Project NYC, read the recent POZ profile “Online Injectors.”