“SEMEAR ESPERANÇA” GROUP: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT OF HARM REDUCTION STRATEGY IN MARÉ COMMUNITY – RIO DE JANEIRO

This summary is a small cutout of the work process of Matrix Support Teams, on Harm Reduction actions on the territory of Complexo da Maré, Rio de Janeiro, one of the most populous and violent regions in the state. The intense experiences of armed violence and the rules of traffic drugs express a future of uncertainty in the crime scene, making it difficult to plan strategies aimed at reducing the adverse consequences for people who abuse of alcohol and other drugs and their families. The aim of this study is to report the experience of the Harm Reduction group at CMS Vila do João. The group takes place from the territorial recognition and data collected from participant observation and discussions with the Family Health teams. Actions include: territory identification, linking users with professionals, supplies distribution, network awareness, an itinerant team offering access / continuity strategies through home visitation and finally the Group at CMS Vila do João allowing access, especially for those who can not reach. The work points to a closer approximation of the health strategy teams with people who use drugs, a reduction of the impact of adverse consequences and health problems associated with the drug use or not; strengthening of networks of solidarity and exchange among peers. We have some challenges to overcome: expansion of collective strategies in territorial and community levels, to decrease stigma of people who use drugs and increase awareness of other professionals, as well as the increase of joints in all care levels.