Understanding Drug-Related Stigma
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1 Understanding Drug-Related Stigma Tools for Better Practice & Social Change Emily Winkelstein, MSW Harm Reduction Coalition
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A presentation at the 8th National Harm Reduction Conference in Austin, TX November 18-21, 2010.
Transcript of Understanding Drug-Related Stigma
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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
212-213-6376 x43
Harm Reduction Coalition
22 West 27th Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10001
