Reducing stigma and discrimination associated with blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections

Victorian healthcare professionals are invited to participate in a workshop about a new toolkit for addressing blood-borne virus and sexually transmission infection-related stigma and discrimination.

Produced by a team from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (La Trobe University) and funded by the Victorian Department of Health, the toolkit is designed to support healthcare services to foster inclusion, equity and cultural safety in service delivery. Designed in collaboration with Victorian healthcare professionals, the toolkit provides actionable strategies to support inclusive healthcare for people affected by BBVs and STIs.

This interactive workshop offers professionals the opportunity to explore the toolkit, consider the different practice-ready strategies it offers and collaborate with other professionals and organisations to support inclusive healthcare and efforts to reduce experiences of stigma.

Victorian healthcare professionals working in a range of settings are invited to participate, including but not limited to:

• Tertiary care
• Primary care
• Community health
• Aboriginal health services
• Correctional and forensic care
• Alcohol and other drug services
• Sexual health services

During the workshop you will have the opportunity to:

• Explore the potential of the stigma-reduction toolkit to inform practice
• Build connections with peer-led organisations
• Identify practical strategies to ensure inclusive healthcare

Australian Centre for Research in Sex, Health and Society presenters:

• Dr Jeanne Ellard
• Dr Adrian Farrugia
• Professor Kate Seear
• Emily Lenton

Panellists:

• Lien Tran – Founding member, Hepatitis B Voices Australia
• Kirsty Machon – CEO, Positive Women
• Sione Crawford – CEO, Harm Reduction Victoria
• Richard Keane – CEO, Living Positive Victoria