Compassion in Action: Harm Reduction Through the Decades

Many individuals in crisis suffer from co-occurring disorders and have been subjected to stigmas and a loss of autonomy. Addressing crisis with a harm reduction lens will increase feelings of dignity and empowerment for clients with its person-centered approach. With compassion at the center, there is a lot we can learn from harm reduction that carries over into crisis intervention.

Learning objectives:

• Attendees will discover harm reduction terminology and uncover the deeper meaning of phrases that were formed by this movement and are still used today.
• Identify the core principles and goals of harm reduction and how they relate to systemic issues while addressing ways to reduce stigma with a compassionate care focus.
• Learn through true stories of the past how harm reduction has impacted people in crisis throughout the decades. Then, learn from true stories of today how this movement continues to inform current approaches of today’s harm reductionists.

Bio:

Jennifer Fukuda received her undergraduate degree from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is currently a master’s student in addiction counseling with a focus on co-occurring disorders at Hazelden Betty Ford’s Graduate School. Additionally, Jennifer was named a 2024-2025 Fellow with the NBCC Foundation Minority Fellowship Program for her impact and commitment to underserved communities. Jennifer has a passion for working and volunteering with Twin Cities nonprofits focusing on underrepresented marginalized populations. She currently works with the Jewish community and has a long history providing support in multiple capacities to people experiencing homelessness. Jennifer believes a person-centered approach to care, treatment, and recovery benefits individuals, families, and communities. Jennifer approaches treatment and recovery conversations with a harm reduction lens desiring to reduce stigmas, meet people where they are, and focus on connection and dignity. Jennifer has a passion for outreach, education, advocating, and collaboration.