Harm Reduction Learning Institute
DC Health

The Third Annual DC Engage Harm Reduction Conference

April 11, 2024 | 8:30am – 4:00pm

Gallaudet University Kellogg Center, Washington, DC

The DC Engage 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.

DC Health and HealthHIV will hold the third annual DC Harm Reduction Conference on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Gallaudet University Kellogg Center in Washington, DC. The purpose of this day-long, in-person conference is to engage clinicians, service providers, and community members in harm reduction prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies.

The conference is free to attend and some of the sessions will include free continuing education credits.


Getting to the Conference

Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University
800 Florida Ave, NE Washington, DC 20002 
(202) 651-6000 

By train, the closest Metro stop is NoMa-Gallaudet University, around a 20 minute walk from the Conference Center. By bus, the 90 and 92 lines run directly by Gallaudet University’s main entrance, around a 10 minute walk from the Conference Center. By car, there’s a parking garage located on the 6th Street NE entrance of the University, which is around a 10 minute walk from the Conference Center. 


Agenda

8:30am
Registration | Resource Tables | Coffee | Networking

9:00–9:15am
Welcome Remarks
Advancing Inclusivity in Harm Reduction Strategies

Expand your outlook on harm reduction in this opening session, gearing up for an insightful exploration of its evolving definition and tangible impact. Join us as we delve into the dynamic growth of harm reduction, not just in concept but also through tangible actions.

9:15–10:00am
District and National Perspectives on Harm Reduction
Overview of the current state of Harm Reduction efforts in the Washington DC Region and nationally, sharing actionable strategies for advancing and enhancing future initiatives.

10:00–10:30am
Interconnected Realities of Race, Gender, Class, and Harm Reduction in Substance Wellness
By examining the intersections of race, gender, and class within the realm of substance wellness, this session seeks to unravel the complexities that influence harm reduction strategies, fostering a deeper understanding of how inclusive approaches can positively impact substance well-being across diverse communities.

10:45–11:15am
Panel: Harm Reduction and the Trans Experience
Exploring the unique challenges faced by the trans community, our experts will discuss innovative harm reduction strategies that promote inclusivity, and empowerment, and help foster safer spaces to dismantle  barriers. 

11:15am–12:00pm
ADAP and Harm Reduction in Concert for Health Equity
Explore how ADAP serves as a gateway to healthcare access, empowering frontline workers to combine resources for a holistic, effective approach in harm reduction initiatives. 

12:00–1:00pm
Lunch

1:00–1:45pm
Unveiling the Impact of Stigma on Harm Reduction
Unveiling the intricate connections between societal judgments and effective strategies, we explore how stigma impedes progress and discuss transformative approaches to mitigate its impact. 

2:00–2:45pm
Clinical Safety Nets: Prevention, Treatment, and Care Linkage in Harm Reduction
Exploring the synergy of capacity building and harm reduction strategies, this dialogue will elevate the insights of effective linkage  implementation, addressing challenges, and fostering creative approaches for the well-being of vulnerable communities as they move through treatment. 

2:45–3:15pm
Streetwise Narratives: Frontline Challenges, Victories, and Aspirations; Narcan Training Workshop
HealthHIV’s DC Engage Microgrant recipients share firsthand accounts of the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations encountered in their daily work. Narcan training will be offered during this segment for those interested.

3:15–3:45pm
Mobilizing Momentum: A Call To Action!
A call towards upward mobility. This closing session will energize and challenge our work moving forward. Taking into account what has been acknowledged today and the work that still needs to be done!


Previous Conference Sessions

  • 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 – Strategies, Priorities, and Outcomes

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

    Learn More

  • 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

  • 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…

    Learn More

  • 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

  • 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. All four 2023 Harm Reduction Conference training sessions must be taken to receive a total of…

    Learn More

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

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

    Learn More