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 for the 5th Annual DC Engage User Health Conference, being held on Monday, August 31, 2026, has reached capacity and we have opened the waitlist. Given the high interest in this event, we strongly encourage you to join the waitlist today, as we anticipate additional spots becoming available closer to the event.
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.
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.
4 Credits/Contact Hours
Participants can earn up to 4 credits/contact hours (CME, ANCC, ACPE, AAPA, ASWB, IPCE) for completion of this educational activity.
Conference Agenda
9:00–9:15am
Welcome
MLK Auditorium, Fifth Floor
9:15–10:00am
Plenary Session 1
What Are We Not Talking About? What Do We Need to Know?: A Conversation with DC Health
Speaker: Anthony Fox, Ph.D., MS, LGPC
MLK Auditorium, 5th Floor
10:05–10:50am
Breakout Sessions 1
From Trusted Presence to Community-Designed Programming: A Faith-Rooted Model for Advancing Drug User Health in Washington
Speaker: Dr. O. Jermaine Bego, DMinDC
MLK Auditorium
Reducing Stigma in Drug Use: The Power of Language and Compassionate Communication
Speaker: Ami M. Angell, PhD, LLM
401-D
See and Serve: A Syndemic Approach to MOUD, PrEP, and HIV Care in Black Communities
Speakers: Sabrina Smiley, PhD, MPH; William King, MD, JD, AAHIVS, FCLM
401-E
10:50–11:00am
Break
11:00–11:45am
Breakout Sessions 2
Culturally Responsive Methods of Engagement for Diverse Populations at Risk of Overdose
Speaker: Leo Sheridan
MLK Auditorium
Every Second Counts: Naloxone and Drug Checking Tools
Speakers: Steve Wood; George Kerr III
401-D
Two Lives, One Journey: Pregnancy and Substance Use
Speaker: Courtney Townsel, MD, MS
401-E
11:45am–12:30pm
Lunch
Fifth Floor
12:30–1:15pm
Plenary Session 2
Vision to Impact: DC Engage Micrograntees in Action
Speakers: 2026 DC Engage Micro-Grantees
MLK Auditorium, Fifth Floor
1:20–2:05pm
Breakout Sessions 3
Substance Use, Survival, and Control: Rethinking Culturally Responsive Care for Trafficked and Exploited Youth
Speaker: Benjamin Musselman, M.A., CAADC
MLK Auditorium, Fifth Floor
“Y’all walk with me every step of the way:” the Pathway from Participant to Employment at Charm City Care Connection
Speakers: Lane Davis, MPH; Bakari Atiba; Marcell Swilling
401-D
Investing in Hospital-Based Peer Support Services (HBPSS): A District-wide program for Screening, MOUD Access, and Treatment in DC
Speakers: Leilani Drake; Ghalia Hantush; Ean Bond
401-E
2:05–2:15pm
Break
2:15–3:30pm
Plenary Session 3 and Call to Action
We Heal Different: Every Interaction Is an Intervention™ The HEAL Framework™ for Building Trust, Psychological Safety, and Healing-Centered Engagement
Speaker: Ashley Elliott, Psy.D.
MLK Auditorium, Fifth Floor