WILD and GNO are teaming up to create and distribute harm reduction information to patrons and workers in hospitality and nightlife. We are releasing carefully crafted materials and sharing resources to reduce stigma and support people who use drugs in these spaces.

Why are we collaborating on this topic ?

The short answer: Both of our organizations care about safety a whole lot!

WILD Collaborative Harm Reduction is a peer-led, peer-run, non-profit association that helps shift how communities talk about and engage in harm reduction. You can find them hosting community workshops and setting up at music festivals and events across Vancouver Island.

The longer answer: According to Papamihali, et. al, 2020, 14% of people used substances alone as they did not want others to know about their drug use or faced stigma around drug use. Providing education reduces social stigma and assists in creating a supportive community in which people may feel inclined to use substances with others and in safer environments. It is our hope that this campaign will work to debunk myths and provide inclusive alternatives to harmful language such as through the use of person-first language which can encourage people to seek help (CCSA, 2019). Studies have shown education campaigns driven by the community to be effective in improving understanding of topics like sexual consent (Ortiz & Shafer, 2018) and reducing stigma towards people with substance use disorders (Luty, et. al, 2008). Wild Night Out intends to build community capacity to support those who use substances and the broader community by providing information on how to recognize signs of overdose, identify what resources are available, and how to create an inclusive environment through the use of destigmatizing language.

You can give feedback on the posters or workshops in this campaign here.

We are grateful to Island Health’s Resilience and Safety Grants for making this project possible!