Matt Ingrouille
Matt Ingrouille
Episode 16 - The Harm Reduction Renegade, Ann Livingston
Episode 16 - The Harm Reduction Renegade, Ann Livingston
Episode 16 - The Harm Reduction Renegade, Ann Livingston
Tuesday 15th January 2019
Ann Livingston shares her journey in harm reduction, VANDU's initiatives, and addiction treatment challenges in Vancouver.
Explicit
66 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Matt Ingrouille
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Body & Mind
Healing from Sexual Trauma
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Episodes:
24 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Ann Livingston: Championing Harm Reduction in Vancouver
We need to understand that encouraging things are encouraging and discouraging things aren't, and heroin prescription programs are a lot cheaper than jail and hospital rooms.
Imagine living just two blocks from one of the most infamous intersections in Vancouver, Hastings and Main. That’s where Ann Livingston, co-founder of VANDU (Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users), calls home. In this episode of the Say Know Podcast, Ann shares her journey from university student to a leading figure in the harm reduction movement.
With host Matt Ingrouille, a police officer with over a decade of experience, Ann delves into the daily operations and mission of VANDU, a non-profit dedicated to supporting drug users through peer-led initiatives. Ann offers a candid look at the harsh realities of addiction and the often-overlooked wisdom of those who live it every day. She explains how VANDU hosts daily support groups and emphasizes that drug users are the true experts of their own lives.
Contrary to punitive measures, Ann believes that fostering hope is key to helping individuals overcome substance use. The conversation also covers innovative programs like the Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Group and prescription heroin initiatives such as Salome and Naomi. These programs offer a lifeline to many, providing safer alternatives to jail and hospital stays.
Ann also highlights the pivotal role of legal advocacy, sharing a victory where people on methadone won a $5.5 million class action lawsuit through BC Pivot Legal Society. This episode isn't just for those directly affected by addiction; it's a call to action for everyone. Ann urges listeners to rethink their views on addiction and get involved in harm reduction efforts within their communities.
Her insights offer a fresh perspective on treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. Tune in to hear Ann Livingston's inspiring story and learn how you can make a difference.