A Voice for Change: Using photovoice and shared narrative to illustrate the value of harm reduction

A Voice for Change: Using photovoice and shared narrative to illustrate the value of harm reduction​

Injection drug users (IDUs) are a disenfranchised population that experiences constant stigma associated with being labeled a “drug user” and thus, a less legitimate member of society (Ware, Wyatt & Tugenberg 2005). This stigma has vast implications and is associated with poorer health – both physical and mental (Ahern, Stuber & Galea 2007). This project served IDUs through a partnership with the Chicago Recovery Alliance (CRA), a comprehensive harm reduction program that works to counteract the stigma and disenfranchisement of IDUs through harm reduction service delivery. The aim of this project was to capture the meaning of harm reduction in the voices of those who use the services, through community-based participatory research. Specifically, CRA participants were engaged in a photovoice project, in which they shared the value of harm reduction through photography and the creation of a shared narrative. The photos and narrative were shared with national partners with the aim of using the material to give IDUs a voice in the advocacy process, by allowing them to tell the story about the critical importance of harm reduction in saving and improving their lives.