Description: Harm reduction efforts have changed the trajectory for communities facing issues surrounding HIV, STIs, and drug use. Though we are headed in the right direction, there is still a divide within the faith-based community. How do we shift harm reduction efforts to gain access, educate, and influence positive changes? What barriers are outreach workers facing within faith-based circles, and what practices could be implemented?
Faculty:
- Mellanese Alexander, Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) in the state of Maryland
- Henrietta Croswell, Owner and Principal Consultant of HC Consulting Solutions, LLC
- Dr. Mauda Monger, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Population Health in the Population Health Science Department and Director of the Center for HIV Education, Research and Policy
- Reneta Cunningham, Seasoned Engagement Specialist, Certified Community Health Worker, Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Recovery Coach
- Dr. Orlando Jermaine Bego, PhD, MDiv, Senior Pastor of The CenterPoint Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. and Owner of Transformative Coaching & Training Center (TC2)
Learning Objectives:
- Examine the role of faith-based organizations in providing support and reducing harm within communities.
- Identify common barriers to implementing harm reduction in faith-based settings.
- Discuss effective strategies and tools to engage faith-based organizations.
- Describe the impact of stigma on harm reduction efforts within faith communities.
NOTE: This course does NOT offer continuing education credits.