What Are We Not Talking About? What Do We Need to Know?: A Conversation with DC Health
October 2, 2026This opening plenary will provide attendees with updates from DC Health HAHSTA on emerging priorities, programmatic changes, and the evolving landscape of drug user health in Washington, DC. Topics include enhancements to peer educator initiatives, new approaches to drug user health services, the development of a dedicated street medicine team, and the intersection of substance use and mental health.
From Trusted Presence to Community-Designed Programming: A Faith-Rooted Model for Advancing Drug User Health in Washington, DC
This breakout session explores community-driven approaches to drug user health and response activities that address stigma, expand access to harm reduction and recovery resources, and strengthen connections to care. The presenter will share lessons learned from building a multigenerational, faith-rooted continuum of prevention, education, service navigation, and support in communities impacted by health disparities.
Culturally Responsive Methods of Engagement for Diverse Populations at Risk of Overdose
This breakout session focuses on culturally responsive approaches to building trust, reducing barriers to care, and fostering meaningful connections with individuals across diverse populations. Participants will examine practical outreach strategies, communication techniques, and inclusive practices that support equitable, person-centered overdose prevention and drug user health services.
Two Lives, One Journey: Pregnancy and Substance Use
This breakout session focuses on the complex intersections of pregnancy and substance use. Participants will explore best practices for providing nonjudgmental, trauma-informed care, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals to appropriate treatment and supportive services. Participants will gain practical strategies to foster trust, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and support families through a harm reduction lens.
Vision to Impact: DC Engage Micrograntees in Action
This session provides an in-depth exploration of how the 2026 DC Engage’s micrograntees are advancing drug user health, improving health outcomes, and strengthening communities across the District. During this showcase, funded organizations will highlight their programs, share lessons learned, and discuss the real-world impact of their work.
Substance Use, Survival, and Control: Rethinking Culturally Responsive Care for Trafficked and Exploited Youth
This breakout session explores the complex relationship between substance use, exploitation, and survival among trafficked and exploited youth. Participants will examine culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches that recognize the unique experiences of young people while reducing stigma and strengthening engagement. Practical strategies for fostering trust, improving service delivery, and supporting long-term recovery and resilience will be shared.
We Heal Different: Every Interaction Is an Intervention™ — The HEAL Framework™ for Building Trust, Psychological Safety, and Healing-Centered Engagement
This session explores how everyday interactions can influence trust, engagement, and well-being among people who use drugs. Participants will explore trauma-informed approaches and practical strategies for creating psychologically safe environments, strengthening relationships, and delivering more supportive, person-centered services across diverse settings.
Ethical and Compassionate Pregnancy Care for People at Risk for Overdose
June 10, 2026This webinar will explore compassionate, ethical ways to provide supportive care
during pregnancy for people at risk for overdose, with a focus on respect, dignity, and practical approaches. Highlights on how nonjudgmental, evidence-informed approaches can promote health, informed choice, and personal autonomy for both the parent and baby will also be shared.
Creating Stigma-Free Services: Clinical Settings
April 23, 2026This session focuses on reducing stigma in clinical settings serving people at risk of overdose, with an emphasis on improving patient experience, strengthening provider communication, and implementing systems-level changes that enhance engagement, retention in care, and overall health outcomes across Maryland.
Ketamine and Psychedelic Substances in Practice: What Providers and Communities Need to Know
April 15, 2026This advanced session explores the evolving landscape of ketamine and other psychedelic substances as they appear in clinical settings, community conversations, and personal use. Participants will examine current evidence, emerging models of care, ethical considerations, and how providers can engage in informed, nonjudgmental conversations while navigating Maryland’s legal and clinical context.
Comprehensive, Evidence-Based, Consensus Guidelines for Prescription of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain from the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP)
August 1, 2025This webinar offers a focused overview of the 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines from the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), highlighting evidence-based strategies for prescribing opioids to manage chronic non-cancer pain.
CDC Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Pain
May 7, 2025This webinar will cover the CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain, focusing on key recommendations, patient safety strategies, and practical approaches for effective pain management.
