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

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.

• Scenario Discussion 1: Analyze methods used to decrease stigma by using terms that avoid negative associations to increase access to services while promoting a positive and affirming space.
• Scenario Discussion 2: How can we educate and strengthen community responses to address drug user health, and promote retention in care? What has history taught us as it pertains to policies and access for the harm reduction community within hospital settings, and how do we continue to move forward?

Facilitators:
Larry Bryant, The Reunion Project
Dr. Ashley Elliot, Consultant