Managing Stigmatizing Language in Substance Misuse Prevention
Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW

May 18, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST

COURSE DESCRIPTION

To engage practitioners in understanding the immediate and lasting impact that stigma can have on the potential treatment of and recovery from Substance Misuse and Prevention. How we refer to, speak to, and document the experiences of clients affects how we connect and treat them. This training highlights the negative impact that our thoughtless word choices can have on our clients, and highlights our professional and ethical responsibility to be mindful in how we speak to and about those living with substance use disorders.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• To present the ways in which our word choice and emphasis can result in stigmatized care for those living with substance misuse issues
• To offer highlights and foster reflection on how we may be causing barriers and social injuries to this vulnerable population
• To demonstrate alternative ways to compassionately capture clients’ experiences in our documentation, verbal communication and relevant correspondence to reduce the barriers and stigma clients experience in care

PRESENTERS

Laura Hinds is a clinical social worker with experience in medical, behavioral and mental health settings.  Laura has had the pleasure of working with high acuity special needs populations and their providers for over 22 years.  An alumna and instructor at Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice for 13 years, and Bryn Mawr’s School of Social Work and Social Research’s for the past 4 years, Laura has supported the learning and education of new social workers, veterans in the field, and their interdisciplinary partners.  With a focus on trauma, human and gender development, racial equity, and crisis intervention Laura supports special needs populations and those who serve them.