Even if used unintentionally, stigmatizing language can harm patient/client interactions and result in driving patients and clients away from care. Join this three-part Language Matters series on weight and obesity, substance use, and mental health to learn about how the use of mindful language can aid in having better interactions with patients and clients and reduce barriers to HIV care, and to practice new language to increase comfort.
Moderator
- Ajay K. Sethi, PhD, MHS, Professor of Population Health Sciences and Faculty Director, Master of Public Health Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Presenters
- Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- Suzanne Carlberg-Racich, PhD, MSPH, Associate Professor, DePaul University; Director of Research, Chicago Recovery Alliance
- Dani Miller, CPSS, Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Advocate, Safe Communities Madison-Dane County
Series Goals
- Identify how barriers to HIV care can be minimized through the use of mindful language
- Illustrate mindful language which does not perpetuate stigma and discrimination and other -isms
- Experiment with new language through small group activities to increase comfort
Program Learning Objectives
- Identify how drug policy has influenced the way that the population views drug use and people whouse drugs
- Describe how the terms used to describe drug use and people who use drugs can perpetuate stigma and discrimination, particularly for people with HIV
- Identify alternative language that can be used to reduce stigma
Intended Audience
This session is intended for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, behavioral health providers, PrEP navigators, linkage to care specialists, and others involved in HIV care and prevention.