Exploring Harm Reduction: Insights from Professor Nadine Ezard

In the latest episode of "The Latest," Professor Nadine Ezard, a preeminent figure in Australia’s harm reduction and public health landscape, discusses critical issues surrounding drug and alcohol services. This episode, released on July 25, 2025, focuses on the ongoing stigma and structural barriers that affect these services, particularly for members of the LGBTIQ+ community. With over 30 years of experience, Professor Ezard serves as the inaugural Director of the National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (NCRED) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and as Clinical Director of the Alcohol and Drug Service at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

Professor Ezard highlights the persistent gaps in data and treatment models that disproportionately affect specific communities, including trans, bisexual, and intersex individuals. She articulates the concept of “double stigma,” whereby LGBTIQ+ individuals encounter compounded challenges due to both their sexual orientation and substance use disorders. This multifaceted stigma necessitates a shift towards more compassionate and evidence-based approaches in drug education and treatment.

The episode also delves into the complexities of substance use, examining the distinctions between use and disorder, particularly concerning substances like methamphetamine, GHB, and ketamine within queer communities. By addressing the importance of understanding these differences, Professor Ezard advocates for community-led responses that empower individuals and reduce harm.

A key component of the conversation is the Australian Government's Take Home Naloxone (THN) program, a national initiative launched in 2022 aimed at reducing opioid-related harm by providing free access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Professor Ezard emphasizes the critical role of naloxone in saving lives and the importance of its accessibility for anyone at risk of witnessing an overdose.

According to the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, naloxone can be obtained without a prescription at participating pharmacies and treatment centers across Australia. The THN program aims to eliminate barriers to access, ensuring that family members, friends, and frontline workers can carry naloxone, thereby increasing the chances of survival in overdose situations.

This episode is not only a call to action for improved health responses but also a critical examination of the policies that can significantly affect LGBTIQ+ health and harm reduction strategies. Professor Ezard calls for an urgent need to center lived experience within these health responses, advocating for policy changes that can yield the most significant impact.

The insights shared by Professor Ezard are pivotal for professionals working in LGBTIQ+ health, harm reduction, and community care. As the field of public health continues to evolve, the emphasis on compassionate care, community engagement, and evidence-based strategies becomes increasingly vital in addressing the complex challenges faced by marginalized communities.

For more information on the Take Home Naloxone program and its resources, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s official website. This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of integrating lived experiences into health care strategies, particularly in the context of harm reduction and substance use disorders.