Harm reduction is an evidence-based, public health approach. It provides vital tools and information to foster positive change. People who use drugs encounter challenges that impact their mental and physical well-being.

Harm reduction aims to empower people who use drugs to make informed decisions. The goal is to prevent adverse health consequences.

Harm reduction programs work towards reducing discrimination and stigma. These programs also ensure people who use drugs have access to essential health services.

Key principles guiding harm reduction approaches include:

- being non-judgmental,

- treating individuals with dignity and respect,

- providing holistic and person-centered services,

- allowing those with lived experience to take leadership roles,

- and promoting feasible and evidence-based interventions.

• Stigma was identified as the #1 barrier preventing individuals from seeking support for substance use challenges.
• 85% of community partners said stigma must be reduced to successfully address substance use in Outagamie County.
• 78.1% of survey respondents know at least one person who has used or is currently using substances other than alcohol or nicotine.
• The survey was open from November 18, 2024 – December 31, 2024 and 448 responses were collected. 

Our End Stigma campaign is about real people—our neighbors, coworkers, and community members—who live and work in the Fox Valley region. These individuals are fathers, mothers, and loved ones who have shared their stories of recovery. They are courageous, inspirational, and an important part of our community. We thank them for their willingness to participate and remind everyone that their stories matter.

As one community member shared when asked what would prevent them from seeking treatment for a substance use concern, "Knowing I wouldn't be judged, just helped, would make all the difference."

We invite you to explore our stigma resources to start the conversation and end the stigma.