As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) continue to be at a greater risk for COVID-19 infection and complications. PWUD are more likely to get infected due to being in crowded environments, and facing barriers to accessing drug services, safe drug-using equipment, and vital medications.COVID-19 vaccines and boosters may therefore be an effective way to reduce potential harms of the virus among PWUD.
However, evidence suggests that vaccine uptake may be lower among PWUD than the general population. Some PWUD report having concerns related to the usefulness and effectiveness of the vaccine, a lack of knowledge about the vaccine and its effects, or experience distrust towards government and healthcare agencies involved in vaccine development.
M otivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based counselling approach that seeks to enhance an individual's motivation for behavioural change. In terms of vaccine hesitancy, it seeks to understand an individual's perspective on vaccination and reasons for hesitancy. MI is participant-centered, goal-oriented, and collaborative. Join us in this workshop to learn about key motivational interviewing skills and strategies that will help you navigate conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine with PWUD!
P resenters:
Dr. Farihah Ali, PhD, Scientific Lead and Manager for the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) Ontario Node at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Matt Bonn, Program Manager with the Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs
Dr. Tara Elton-Marshall, PhD, Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa
Register Here
