Harm Reduction Learning Institute
DC Health

Conference

Inspired. Invested. Engaged.

The 5th Annual DC Engage Drug User Health Conference

The annual DC Engage Drug User Health Conference is designed to build the capacity of community organizations, clinicians, and coalitions to implement culturally responsive, evidence-based, and inclusive drug user health initiatives and practices that help prevent opioid overdoses, reduce stigma, and promote equitable access to prevention, treatment, and support services in DC.

Registration is now open for the 5th Annual DC Engage Drug User Health Conference! Join us on International Overdose Awareness Day – Monday, August 31, 2026 – as we bring together experts, advocates, and community members committed to advancing drug user health strategies in Washington, DC.

Top Reasons to Attend

  • Learn practical, evidence-based strategies you can immediately apply to strengthen overdose prevention, treatment, recovery, and community engagement efforts.
  • Hear from local experts, community leaders, and individuals with lived and living experience who are driving innovation in drug user health.
  • Explore innovative programs and promising practices through engaging breakout sessions, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions.
  • Gain valuable tools and resources to enhance service delivery, address stigma, improve health equity, and better meet the needs of people who use drugs.
  • Stay informed on emerging trends, policies, and best practices shaping the future of drug user health in Washington, DC and beyond.
  • Build meaningful connections with clinicians, public health professionals, drug user health organizations, researchers, advocates, and community partners working toward shared goals.

Showcase Your Work at this Dynamic Conference!

DC Engage welcomes abstract proposals that highlight expertise, innovative strategies, cutting-edge ideas, research, and implementation experiences related to drug user health and overdose prevention.

Your abstract submission can be a description of work in progress with anticipated outcomes. Abstracts on original research, innovative projects, and/or novel programs related to drug user health and overdose prevention will be considered for presentation.

We invite abstract submissions under one of the following three tracks:

  • Track 1 – INSPIRED: Designed to inspire the drug user health workforce, this track will explore creative approaches to service delivery, workforce development, and systems change that motivate and improve engagement, access, and health outcomes.
  • Track 2 – INVESTED: Conference sessions in this track will highlight the investments of healthcare systems and service delivery models to better meet the needs of people who use drugs.
  • Track 3 – ENGAGED: This track will better equip the drug user health workforce to create services and systems that are truly informed by and engaged with the communities they serve.

Submission Deadline
July 10, 2026

Notification of Acceptance
July 21, 2026

Author Commitment Deadline
July 27, 2026

Abstract submissions are now closed.

August 31, 2026
9:00am – 3:30pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Library
901 G St NW • Washington, DC

There is no fee to attend the conference. Spots fill up quickly, so register now to secure your place. Please provide accurate contact information to ensure you receive important updates, including scheduling details, speaker announcements, and venue information.

Lunch will be provided and continuing education credits will be available, pending accreditation.

Register Now

Previous Conference Sessions

  • Transforming Pleasure and Wellness: Party Culture and Harm Reduction

    This panel discussion explores the intersection of pleasure, party culture, and harm reduction. Panelists will share insights on fostering wellness, promoting safety, and addressing substance use in social settings, emphasizing inclusive, judgment-free strategies to support informed and empowered choices.

    Learn More: Transforming Pleasure and Wellness: Party Culture and Harm Reduction

  • Engaging and Healing: A Trauma Informed Approach

    This session provides an in-depth exploration of trauma-informed care, emphasizing the importance of recognizing trauma’s pervasive impact and integrating responsive practices. Participants will gain insights into fostering trust, promoting safety, and empowering individuals through culturally sensitive, evidence-based approaches that prioritize healing and resilience. 

    Learn More: Engaging and Healing: A Trauma Informed Approach

  • Grace in Action: Faith-Led Harm Reduction Strategies

    This session explores the role of faith communities in advancing harm reduction principles. It highlights compassionate, inclusive approaches rooted in faith-based values to support individuals on their journey toward healing and wellness, fostering trust, dignity, and meaningful engagement within spiritual contexts.

    Learn More: Grace in Action: Faith-Led Harm Reduction Strategies

  • DC Engage 3rd Annual Harm Reduction Conference

    This content was originally presented at the 3rd annual DC Engage Harm Reduction Conference in Washington, DC. Review the content at your own pace.

    Learn More: DC Engage 3rd Annual Harm Reduction Conference

  • Social Justice/Language Justice Implications for Services and Retention in Care

    This group discussion focuses on social justice and retention in care.

    Learn More: Social Justice/Language Justice Implications for Services and Retention in Care

  • Drug User Health in a Syndemic Environment – Strategies, Priorities, and Outcomes

    These group discussions focus on drug user health in a syndemic environment.

    Learn More: Drug User Health in a Syndemic Environment – Strategies, Priorities, and Outcomes

  • Self Care Discussion with DC Engage Micro-Grantees

    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.

    Learn More: Self Care Discussion with DC Engage Micro-Grantees

  • Harnessing the Fury: Overcoming Barriers, Unveiling Pathways, and Minimizing Harm

    Dive into a discourse centered on the policy limitations impeding the implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention programs for injection drug users. Uncover the pivotal role of policy change as a linchpin of public health action. Explore the transformative potential of research-driven insights and harm reduction approaches in minimizing the deleterious effects of HIV within this…

    Learn More: Harnessing the Fury: Overcoming Barriers, Unveiling Pathways, and Minimizing Harm

  • 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.

    Learn More: Drug User Health in a Syndemic Environment

  • Social Justice/Language Justice

    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.

    Learn More: Social Justice/Language Justice

  • 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.

    Learn More: National Perspectives on Harm Reduction and Community Health

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