The PRD Sampa (the Sampa Harm Reduction Project) was initiated in the Mental Health District of São Paulo to implement a harm reduction policy for drug and alcohol users in the city and reduce their exposure to sexually transmitted diseases - STDs and HIV. Sao Paulo Alcohol and Drug Psycho-social Care Centers (CAPS ad) run by the Mental Health Division of Sao Paulo municipality dispatched their staff to receive professional training from PRD Sampa to implement Harm Reduction Public Policy. The study was implemented from July 2003 to November 2004 in São Paulo, in order to evaluate the interventions. The presentation of the harm reduction (HR) concept at CAPS ad shed light on the complexity of the task and the impact of the service within the territory covered. After observation, training and booster meetings were designed to raise the awareness of professionals, users, families and the community.
Harm Reduction; Drug Abuse Treatment; Public Health Policy
