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UnderstandingDrug-Related StigmaTools for Better Practice& Social Change

Emily Winkelstein, MSWHarm Reduction Coalition

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So…Why stigma? Why now?

How we do the work needs to be as important as meeting deliverables

Stigma has been largely normalized• (Providers live in the world too)

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So…Why stigma? Why now?

Shifts in the political & funding landscapes

Stigma is a root cause of:• Unhealthy communities/relationships• Disease transmission• Death

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Project Overview

Funding from NYS DOH AIDS Institute

3-hour training curriculum• PP, Facilitator’s Guide, Participant Workbook

Target Audience: “Non-clinical providers”

So far: 8 trainings throughout NYS

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Curriculum Approach:Increase Cultural

Competency

Make concepts tangible Translate knowledge -> Practice Create safety for introspection &

self-assessment

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Curriculum Development

Lecture/Interactive Discussion Personal Relevance Activities• Independent and Group

Multi-media• Video

Emphasize flexibility

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Approach: Tangible Concepts

What is stigma?

Forms of stigma

Functions of stigma

Key elements of drug-related stigma

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Approach: Knowledge Practice

Implications for Providers Group analysis & strategy-building

• Stigmatizer and Stigmatized• Institutional lens

Address change on 3 levels• Individual• Staff• Community

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Approach: Introspection & self-

assessment Values Clarification tool Embrace “messiness” Encourage discussion beyond

“professional” experience Emphasis on “subtle implications”

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Lessons-Learned: Content

Stigma vs. prejudice vs. discrimination

Struggle with embracing some key HR concepts:• Drug use management (“functional” use)• Abstinence-based language

Language is key

Us vs. Them is pervasive

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A few more lessons learned...

Few outlets to really explore stigma

Takes time & commitment It’s difficult & almost always very personal

There are many “baby steps” that can make a big difference.

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Emily Winkelstein, MSW

winkelstein@harmreduction.org

212-213-6376 x43

Harm Reduction Coalition

22 West 27th Street, 5th Floor

New York, NY 10001