In November 2007 the International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) launched a new network and website dedicated to the topic of alcohol harm reduction. The Global Alcohol Harm Reduction Network (GAHR-Net) will provide a forum for researchers, advocates, practitioners, policy makers and communities to discuss practical alcohol harm reduction interventions and policy options.

GAHR-Net’s Mission is to help reduce the health, social, and criminal harms of drinking alcohol around the world, while ensuring the benefits that alcohol presents for many people, cultures and societies.

It will aim to provide a forum for researchers, advocates, practitioners, policy makers and communities to discuss practical alcohol harm reduction interventions and policy options. Through this network, IHRA aims to develop a sense of belonging and community - connecting those who support or practice alcohol harm reduction and allowing for information exchange, the sharing of best practice and experiences, and discussions around key issues in the field. All members will be encouraged to contribute to the website, e-newsletter and discussion groups whenever possible, and the network will, collectively, shape IHRA’s future work in this field (including conferences, seminars, demonstration projects and advocacy work).

Later in 2008, IHRA will launch an online discussion group for GAHR-Net members to share ideas, experiences, issues and questions with one another.

The network has an International Steering Group consisting of key experts around the world with specific experience of network development and alcohol harm reduction. The role of this group is to guide the establishment of the Alcohol Harm Reduction Network and to advise IHRA on management and strategic issues. The International Steering Group has the following members:

Dr Kathryn Graham - Senior Scientist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Jack Law – Chief Executive, Alcohol Focus Scotland

Haydee Rosovsky – Director, Center for Educational and Community Responses

Professor Gerry Stimson – Chief Executive, International Harm Reduction Association

Dr Betsy Thom – Head of the Social Policy Research Centre at Middlesex University

GAHR-Net is free to join for both individuals and organisations. Members will receive a bi-monthly e-newsletter highlighting the key news, research and developments from the field.