Social Justice/Language Justice
DC Engage’s annual Harm Reduction Conference brings together harm reductionists, community members, and experts to discuss the latest practices, techniques, and important issues in the harm reduction community.
Focusing on the theme of Justice and Equity for Community Health, this day-long conference on June 29, 2023 featured expert speakers and panels covering the national and local landscape of harm reduction, language and social justice, retention in care, drug user health in a syndemic environment, and other topics.
This plenary focuses on how to eliminate and replace stigmatizing language and negative bias while also using person-first language within communities of people who struggle with substance use disorder to increase access to services and successful retention in care. The session also addresses best practices for community responses as behavioral health crisis alternatives and discuss how to bridge the gap between the community and the government.
Speakers:
Mark Robinson, Family and Medical Counseling Service, Inc.
Sonia Canzater, Georgetown University
Dr. Ashley Elliot, Consultant
Other Related Trainings
National Perspectives on Harm Reduction and Community Health
This session describes the impact of drug use from a national and local perspective, examines the social impact of drug use on communities, and identifies national and local harm reduction activities. Surveillance data will be presented to highlight national and local trends.
All four 2023 Harm Reduction Conference training sessions must be taken to receive a total of 3.25 credit hours.
Drug User Health in a Syndemic Environment
This session addresses challenges related to living and accessing services in a syndemic environment. It covers those strategies that ensure individuals are able to address co-morbidities.
All four 2023 Harm Reduction Conference training sessions must be taken to receive a total of 3.25 credit hours.
