46. Substance Use Stigma

Welcome to Urban Service Talks featuring Dr. Erin Fanning Madden, a sociologist, community-engaged researcher, and assistant professor at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine. Dr. Madden is a leading voice in substance use research, harm reduction, and healthcare access, with over $6 million in research funding, including a major CDC grant supporting digital interventions for overdose response. In this episode, Dr. Madden joins UConn School of Dental Medicine students Briti Prajapati and Bryson Christian for a conversation on the deep-rooted challenges of stigma in healthcare, the critical role of harm reduction, and why even well-intentioned providers can struggle to put it into practice. Drawing from her expertise and frontline work, Dr. Madden helps us explore how policy shapes care—and what future healthcare professionals can do to advocate for more ethical, compassionate, and effective systems. Tune in for a powerful discussion on saving lives, challenging the status quo, and reimagining healthcare for underserved communities.   https://health.uconn.edu/connecticut-area-health-education-center-network/urban-services-track-and-ahec-scholars/urban-service-talks/