Social Justice/Language Justice

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.

Focusing on the theme of Justice and Equity for Community Health, this day-long conference on June 29, 2023 featured expert speakers and panels covering the national and local landscape of harm reduction, language and social justice, retention in care, drug user health in a syndemic environment, and other topics.

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. The session also addresses best practices for community responses as behavioral health crisis alternatives and discuss how to bridge the gap between the community and the government.

Speakers:
Mark Robinson, Family and Medical Counseling Service, Inc.
Sonia Canzater, Georgetown University
Dr. Ashley Elliot, Consultant

Credits:
This session: 1.0 credit hours.
All four 2023 Harm Reduction Conference training sessions must be taken to receive a total of 3.25 credit hours.

• Social Justice/Language Justice (1.0 credit)
• National Perspectives on Harm Reduction and Community Health (.75 credit)
• Harnessing the Fury: Overcoming Barriers, Unveiling Pathways, and Minimizing Harm (.5 credit)
• Drug User Health in a Syndemic Environment (1.0 credit)