Jessica Bridgeman attended our March 27th lunch and explained her involvement with the local Street Nurse Program.  'Harm Reduction' was the main theme and was explained as a program that includes policies, programs and practices that aim to  reduce the negative health, social and economic consequences that may arise from the use of legal and illegal drugs without necessarily reducing drug use.  It provides education to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, and it connects those who misuse drugs to local services.  Jessica noted that many of her 'street clients' could be described as marginalized and would not receive any health or social help without this program.  She deals with youth at risk as well as people who are drug users, involved in the sex trade or have mental illness issues.  The Street Nurse Program is also involved with a needle exchange program that helps reduce the spread of diseases that are common when needles are infected and are shared.  More information is available at www.canadianharmreduction.com or do a google search for Cammy LaFleur Street Nurse Program.