Empathy Lens: Humanizing Images & Education for Reducing Stigma Against People Who Use Drugs

Posted by liaison on November 5th, 2025 Posted in: Webinars and Courses

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Stigmatizing language and imagery around substance use reinforce systemic inequities, uphold punitive narratives, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes that further marginalize people who use drugs. Yet many mainstream stock photo collections rely on dehumanizing, criminalizing, or sensationalized visuals, making it difficult for advocates, educators, and service providers to find materials that promote health equity and affirm the rights and realities of impacted communities.

The Empathy Lens project disrupts this pattern by offering a free online library of compassionate, realistic images captured at harm reduction and treatment organizations across Washington State. These photos highlight authentic, person-centered care in community-based settings, reflecting the resilience, agency, and humanity of people who use drugs. This session on December 4, 2025 at noon MT will explore how stigma in both language and visuals fuels discrimination and exclusion, while sharing practical strategies for selecting non-stigmatizing, accurate, and inclusive materials for outreach, education, and advocacy.

This webinar is part of the Health Speaker Series with PNC and Region 5. Registration is required.