Note: (The trademarks AVERT Harm and AVERT First are owned by Gary Xavier and operated under license from him)
International Curriculum on Strategic Harm Response. AVERT HARM™ and AVERT™ FIRST™
World Wise Care is proud to have several programs dedicated to Harm Risk Vulnerability Assessment, Response, Recognition, Reduction and Resolution.
A.V.E.R.T. Harm™ and A.V.E.R.T. First™ are state-of-the-art, evidence-based education and training initiatives designed to address today’s most pressing health, safety, and harm-reduction challenges. Both programs are structured to meet the needs of diverse audiences—from community members and peer leaders to clinical professionals and public health systems—delivering practical tools, actionable strategies, and real-world applications.
Founded by Dr. Gary Xavier, MD, an accomplished leader Health care Provider, Medical Research Scientist, Author, Educator, and Philanthropist, whose expertise spans multiple fields including healthcare, systemic leadership, organizational analysis, and applied research, the A.V.E.R.T. framework reflects years of scientific study, hands-on experience, and a commitment to advancing safer, healthier communities. Dr. Xavier has worked with healthcare institutions, policy bodies, and multidisciplinary teams to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, creating training that is as rigorous as it is accessible.
About A.V.E.R.T. Harm™
Awareness & Vigilance for Effective Response to Trends
A.V.E.R.T. Harm™ is a groundbreaking harm-reduction and prevention framework designed to equip communities, professionals, and public health leaders with the skills, structure, and confidence to respond effectively to emerging risks. More than a checklist or awareness campaign, A.V.E.R.T. Harm operates like a life-support-style assessment model—clear, action-oriented, and adaptable for a wide range of real-world situations.
Built for three interconnected tracks—Community/Lay, Clinical, and Public Health & Systems Leadership—A.V.E.R.T. Harm bridges the gap between what people see, what they suspect, and what they do in the face of harm. Whether the threat is visible and urgent or hidden and evolving, the program emphasizes early recognition, structured assessment, and decisive, role-appropriate action.
At its core, A.V.E.R.T. Harm is about turning awareness into action—from preventing interpersonal harm and addressing mental health crises to tackling systemic risks and emerging public health threats. Through scenario-based training, practical tools, and a unified language, participants learn to recognize critical signs, navigate complex contexts, and activate the right resources at the right time.
The goal is simple but vital: fewer missed warning signs, faster help, and stronger, safer communities.
About A.V.E.R.T. First™
A.V.E.R.T. First™ is the frontline, “first aid” equivalent for harm reduction—equipping individuals with the immediate skills and confidence to recognize, respond to, and reduce harm in critical moments. Just as traditional first aid prepares people to act in medical emergencies, A.V.E.R.T. First™ prepares participants to intervene in situations involving physical, psychological, social, or systemic risk before they escalate.
Grounded in evidence-based principles and designed for broad accessibility, the program provides practical, easy-to-learn techniques that can be applied by community members, workplace teams, educators, and caregivers. A.V.E.R.T. First™ bridges the gap between awareness and action, empowering everyday people to make a meaningful difference when it matters most.