Navigating Discourses on Stigma and Harm
Each of the presenters had fascinating presentations on their subjects of interest within the topic of stigma in the medical field. Interestingly, all of the panelists went back to reference the HIV/AIDS epidemic as an agent of change. It truly emphasized how the tragedy of the HIV epidemic impacted mindsets and institutions and therefore transformed society as a whole.
Stigma is not a simple issue. Even with monumental medical advancements, stigma can remain fixed.
One of the presenters pointed out that even today after antiretroviral therapy (ART) has provided the opportunity for a person who is HIV positive to be “undetectable” and “untransmittable”, there is still the stigma of HIV being worse than cancer.
However in some communities, the mindset around HIV has changed significantly. Some are more comfortable having sex with someone who is HIV positive with undetectable status as opposed to someone who doesn’t know their status because there is a comfort in the awareness. While this is a monumental change that reflects the nature of HIV as a disease, this discussion and mindset is very contained.
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On a larger scale, the frameworks that make up how we think about issues are directly relevant to individual and systemic views on stigma.
One framework we see in use is “Health Science Framing”. A framework to articulate problems (and their relevant solutions) through the lens of health science. For example, a poster displaying “Racism is a public health crisis”.
It was really interesting to hear about the ways this lens opens the door to help, to access, and to institutional recognition of, for example, racism as an issue.
However, using health science as a tool for anti-oppressive action brings the biases and complexities that exist within our current health science system.
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Harm reduction has been a deeply fascinating concept to me since I was first introduced to me. I was pretty immediately on board so hearing about the origins of the perspective as well the more holistic successes that have emerged from the use of the harm reduction strategy just strengthened my support.
It made a lot of sense that this perspective found popularity during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. “Necessity is the mother of invention” and all that, right?
When the system is working for you, you build a new system. Compassion and trust at the forefront of healthcare. And longer term thinking when it comes to care. Not trying to just do what’s best for the patient at one moment. Prioritizing a patient’s autonomy. Therefore, gaining trust and connection and building a relationship instead of just treating them. I think that’s beautiful. And who would have guessed, it’s effective!
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There are so many ways to think about the effects of stigma and ways to navigate relationships, behavior, and values around the nature of harm. This panel reminded me that stigma moves through discussion and community.
