This study mapped and described 11 harm reduction interventions/programs in Greater Metropolitan Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in 2004-2006. Mapping was based on interviews and analysis of available documents and comparison with a previous study with data from 2003. We aimed to discuss the programs’ sustainability (political, financial, and administrative) and operational characteristics, based on the following categories: type of links in the program or intervention; forms of inclusion in the municipalities; background, financing; typical activities; team hiring practices; volunteer work, if any; resources (human and financial); partnerships; municipal legislation, if any; and participation in forums for political representation. Despite the diversity of links and organizational formats, there were some common characteristics: precarious professional status; dependence on volunteer work to implement activities; influence of turnover in Municipal and State administration on the continuity of projects and partnerships, as well as on the maintenance of human and financial resources. We conclude that such factors lead to lack of continuity in the services provided to the target population.

hdl.handle.net/1765/32913
ISS Staff Group 0
Cadernos de Saude Publica
International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University (ISS)

Quadros Rigoni, R., & Nardi, H. (2009). Mapeando Programas de Redução de Danos da Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre / Mapping harm reduction programs in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre. Cadernos de Saude Publica, 25(2), 382–392. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/32913