Table 1.

CHARPP coding framework for assessing quality of harm reduction policies

Population quality indicators

Includes 9 population indicators based on the premise that high-quality harm reduction policies characterize service populations accurately when they: 1. Recognize that stigma and/or discrimination are issues faced by people who use illicit drugs 2. Affirm that people who use drugs need to be involved in policy development or implementation 3. Acknowledge that not all substance use is problematic 4. Recognize that harm reduction has benefits for both people who use drugs and the broader community 5. Acknowledge that a harm reduction approach can be applied to the general population 6. Affirm that women are a key population 7. Affirm that youth are a key population 8. Affirm that indigenous people are a key population 9. Affirm that one or more groups of LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning, and intersex) people are a key population

Program quality indicators

Includes 8 program indicators based on the premise that high-quality harm reduction policies should: 10. Acknowledge the need for evidence-informed policies and/or programs 11. Recognize the importance of preventing drug-related harm (rather than just preventing drug use, or blood-borne, or sexually transmitted infections) 12. Discuss low-threshold [72] approaches to service provision 13. Specifically address overdose 14. Recognize that reducing or abstaining from substance use is not required 15. Consider harm reduction approaches for a variety of drugs and modes of use 16. Discuss harm reduction’s human rights (e.g., dignity, autonomy) dimensions 17. Consider the social determinants (including income, housing, and education) that influence drug-related harm