The Platinum Rule and Harm Reduction

The Platinum Rule and Harm ReductionReligions and Social Innovation: An International Conference at the University of St. Michael's CollegeOct 27-29, 2013

Objectives

To broaden the understanding of Harm Reduction value neutral perspective

To describe current trends in Harm Reduction programs Compare the Golden and Platinum Rules To discuss who is at risk and in harms way To identify the unique challenges faced by marginalized

people in Canada and also the challenges for care providers

St. Aloysius Catholic Church

Anti-life arguments

As for example in the question of drugs policy where the Vatican has just intervened to condemn harm reduction measures such as needle exchange programmes on grounds that harm reduction condones the use of drugs and using drugs is “anti-life”.http://humanistfederation.eu/secularism-non-discrimination-and-human-rights/

Drug policy - the Vatican condemns Harm Reduction

Its intervention, based on religious doctrine, has wrecked an EU consensus in the run-up to a new United Nations declaration and has opened itself to the accusation from experts in drug policy that “it will needlessly lead to the increased spread of blood-borne viruses and the death of thousands more people from HIV/Aids.” (The Guardian 27/2/09, quoting drugs charity Release)

All Saints Church Community Centre in Toronto

http://allsaintstoronto.com/

Harm Reduction: refers to an approach designed to reduce the harmful consequences associated with high risk activities. We do not try to ‘save’ or ‘rescue’ anyone, we support them wherever they are without judgment or assumption.

Some churches and program tries to ‘heal’ gays

I try to be skeptical (question things) and not cynical (dismiss ideas & find fault with them)

Cultural Competence is a part of the Platinum Rule

Cultural Awareness Cultural Sensitivity Cultural Competence Cultural Humility Cultural Safety

• Cultural safety stresses the importance of reflection & acceptance of differences.

• We should not treat everyone the same.

• We do need to recognize and acknowledge our blind spots.

Bronze silver gold platinum rules

The culture of Western medicine places diagnosis as a central goal, whereas other approaches, including Aboriginal medicine, see it as less central and pay more attention to finding a safe environment in which the patient may recover. For conditions such as mental disorders, this latter approach may prove more effective than struggling to attach a label to the disorder.

Bronze, Silver, Gold, & Platinum Rules

An environment that is safe for people; where there is no assault, challenge or denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need. It is about shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge and experience, of learning, living and working together with dignity and truly listening.

(Health Q. F., 2012)

Cultural Safety12 Step Programs

MASLOW

Does the Platinum Rule help to provide health care or simply treat diseases?

Imagine if your child were to try a mind-altering drug. Would you rather have your child use a drug which, compared with other drugs, are less likely to cause harm?

Harm Reduction is about the Client & Care Provider

North American culture looks at health and issues of substance abuse as individual problems or behaviour choices rather than looking at the larger societal picture. In individualistic societies we blame the individuals, often missing the larger patterns and forces at work. The individualistic perspective frequently narrows the ethical discussions to consideration of individual rights rather that collective goals and responsibilities.

We all judge…

Stigma and Discrimination can be addressed with the Platinum Rule in mind.

“Addiction is the product of a poisoned environment that kills the spirit . . . And causes illness of the mind and body”

Lucy Barney

“Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a

freedom.” Marilyn Ferguson

Practicewhat you Teach.

Contact informationGreg Riehl RN BScN MAAboriginal Nursing Student AdvisorAboriginal Nursing Student Achievement ProgramSIASTWascana Campus

Email: greg.riehl@siast.sk.ca Email: gregriehl@sasktel.net

@griehl