CHANGE THE STIGMA CONFERENCE

Registration is now open for the Change the Stigma Conference on March 21, 2020, at the University of Charleston Rotunda - 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Health professions majors from all West Virginia campuses are invited to join more than 100 University of Charleston students pursing degrees in the pharmacy, nursing, physician assistant and health promotions programs on Saturday, March 21, 2020  in the Geary Auditorium (Riggleman Hall) to address negative perceptions surrounding opioid addiction within the healthcare profession. 

The conference will include discussions around the role of healthcare professionals in combatting the opioid epidemic as well as conversations about helping children and adults overcome adverse childhood experiences (or ACEs). Participants will learn how to address stigma within the profession and manage the effect negative perceptions about addiction can have on patient care. In addition, participants will receive Naloxone training, so they are prepared to respond to drug overdoses in the community. 

The conference will be held 8 am until 1 pm. Sessions will include a panel on overcoming ACEs sponsored by the ACES Coalition of West Virginia as well as an interprofessional discussion on how health care providers (pharmacists, nurses, doctors, etc.) can work together to help eliminate stigma and treat substance use disorder. 

Registration is free to all health professions majors throughout West Virginia and is open until March 14, 2020.

Media is also welcome to attend. For more information, including a schedule of events, contact Dr. Susan Bissett at 304-357-4879 or susanbissett@dii.ucwv.edu .