“R” You Ready? AVERT Harm’s Risk Science Approach

Avert Harm Risk Science Approach:

1. Recognize → You can’t act on what you don’t see. First spot the signs of harm or risk.

2. Redirect → Try the lowest-intensity pivot: shift course, de-escalate, or change trajectory before it worsens.

3. Respond → If redirection isn’t enough, act more directly or decisively to address the health Associated Risks and Manifestations..

4. Reduce → Once immediate harm is contained, lower ongoing risks (prevention, harm reduction, systemic fixes).

5. Restore → Support recovery, healing, and return to baseline (individual, relational, or community).

6. Reinforce → Strengthen protective factors so the cycle doesn’t repeat.

7. Risk Assessment at the Center

Special Note on the “r” Philosophy

• It mirrors escalation of intensity (recognition → redirection → response).

• It then flows into longer-term harm reduction (reduce → restore → reinforce).

• It’s intuitive for training: first notice, then act, then prevent, then heal, then strengthen.