The 5th National Harm Reduction Conference was held from November 11th through 14th, 2004 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Harm reduction is "a set of practical strategies that reduce negative consequences of drug use, incorporating a spectrum of strategies from safer use, to managed use to abstinence." Read more. The goals of the conference are to:

• Provide a safe forum for the exchange of information, ideas, and strategies for incorporating harm reduction into direct services, public policy, and individual lives
• Offer technical information on program development and implementation
• Present current examples of effective harm reduction services and policies
• Encourage a dialogue between individuals from diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and personal experiences, including drug users and those with a history of drug use
• Explore and analyze our own attitudes about and relationships to drugs and drug users
• Exchange and develop practical skills community organizing
• Facilitate local, regional, and national networks and develop plans of action

Agenda There was a free pre-conference event: "Using Women: Harm Reduction Makes a Difference" on November 10th. Also, the Harm Reduction Training Institute offers regular harm reduction-related classes in San Francisco and on the east coast.