We Heal Different: Every Interaction Is an Intervention™ — The HEAL Framework™ for Building Trust, Psychological Safety, and Healing-Centered Engagement
October 2, 2026This 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.
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.
Carrying More Than Life: Black Maternal Health and HIV
September 22, 2026This webinar will explore the intersection of Black maternal health and HIV through clinical expertise, lived experience, and community perspectives. Participants will learn about maternal health disparities, HIV prevention and treatment during pregnancy, and strategies for navigating healthcare systems and advocating for quality care.
Covering Costs of HIV PrEP
August 28, 2026During this self-paced e-learning module, participants will review three cost components of HIV PrEP, and sources of insurance, and other key tools that PrEP educators can use to help their clients cover those costs and evaluate different options for covering costs based on the needs of clients in various situations. This module will prepare participants for beginning their work as PrEP educators as well as serve as a refresher for experienced professionals.
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.
Advancing LGBTQ HIV Health Equity in the Long-Acting Injectable Era
This educational activity examines how long-acting injectable options for HIV prevention and treatment can be implemented to advance health equity among LGBTQ communities. Participants will review current HIV disparities, available long-acting injectable therapies, and clinical considerations for matching prevention and treatment options to individual patient needs and preferences.
Addressing Behavioral Health Needs Among LGBTQ Individuals in HIV Prevention and Care Settings
This educational activity examines behavioral health disparities affecting LGBTQ individuals and their influence on engagement in HIV prevention and care. Through evidence-based frameworks, practical clinical strategies, and a longitudinal patient case, participants will explore how minority stress, trauma, substance use, social determinants of health, and prior healthcare experiences can affect behavioral health and healthcare engagement.
