Culturally Responsive Care: Strategies for HIV Prevention, Health Equity, and Addressing Barriers to Care
October 2, 2026NOVEMBER 18, 2026 • This webinar will explore how cultural, social, and structural factors can influence health experiences, access to care, and health outcomes, with a focus on HIV prevention and sexual health. Participants will examine how stigma, communication barriers, social determinants of health, and cultural assumptions can create barriers to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and other healthcare services.
What Are We Not Talking About? What Do We Need to Know?: A Conversation with DC Health
This 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.
LGBTQ Equity in HIV Prevention and Treatment Certificate for Social Workers
August 24, 2026The LGBTQ Health Equity Series is a comprehensive eight-module certificate program designed to strengthen healthcare professionals’ knowledge, skills, and practices in providing affirming, equitable, and culturally responsive HIV prevention and care to LGBTQ individuals. Across the series, participants will explore the social, structural, behavioral, and clinical factors shaping HIV disparities among LGBTQ populations, and gain practical strategies for delivering patient-centered care across diverse communities and care settings.
Strategies for Implementing Sexual History Taking into Clinical Practice
August 17, 2026Strategies for Implementing Sexual History Taking into Clinical Practice is a 60-minute E-Learning module for clinicians and staff who will be introduced to the barriers that commonly impact sexual history taking implementation as well as the strategies for overcoming them to implement it in clinical settings.
Beyond the Charge: Understanding HIV Criminalization
July 22, 2026This webinar examines the current landscape of HIV criminalization, including how laws are applied and their impact on individuals and communities. It explores the intersections of stigma and the legal system, while highlighting disparities in enforcement and outcomes.
Faith and Sexuality: Shaping Conversations Supporting Sexual Health
July 20, 2026This webinar explores the intersection of faith, sexual health, relationships, and wellness through a culturally responsive lens. Participants will hear from public health and sexual health professionals and engage in a meaningful discussion about HIV prevention, reproductive health, healthy relationships, and the influence of faith communities on health and well-being. By centering the experiences of Black women, this session aims to promote empowerment, reduce stigma, and encourage open, judgment-free conversations that support holistic wellness.
