Sunday, April 23, 2006

COUNTERING OPIOID STIGMA: COMMUNICATING MESSAGES TO INFLUENCE PUBLIC PERCEPTION

TIME: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Frank Carillo, MBA
Executive Communications Group
Englewood, NJ

Colleen O’Connor, MS
Executive Communications Group
Englewood, NJ

Opioid treatment programs and patients have historically been the target of negative public opinion and adverse media coverage. This has affected our ability to influence national drug policy, explain the science of opioid addiction and treatment, gain the funding necessary to provide quality treatment to all who require it, and ultimately to operate in the best interests of our patients and communities.

This presentation will roll-out 3 key messages specifically designed to counter the stigma and stereotypes deeply embedded in the perception of opioid addiction and medication-assisted treatment. These messages resulted from a year-long pilot project entitled “Communicating Messages That Achieve Results”. Providers will hear these messages for the first time and learn how to communicate them in order to create a positive impact within their communities. The workshop will include Q&A techniques designed to deal with emotional audiences while reinforcing the presenter’s objective.

Sponsored by the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, Inc.
Supported by VistaPharm, Inc.