Past drug use of health official sparks conversation over leadership roles for people in recovery
Plus, an HHS announcement and state bills sparked common myths about harm reduction online.
Plus, an HHS announcement and state bills sparked common myths about harm reduction online.
During a recent podcast interview, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. referenced his past drug use. In response, social media users debated whether people with a history of substance use disorder should be in leadership positions. Other posts questioned whether harm reduction programs, including syringe services programs, make communities safer.
In response, communicators may share resources for people experiencing workplace stigma after disclosing their history of SUD and reiterate the benefits of SSPs and other harm reduction programs.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use
During a podcast interview last week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said, “I’m not scared of a germ. I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats.” Social media users across platforms primarily shared memes and jokes about the comment. Many also suggested that people with a history of SUD should not hold government positions or be in leadership roles in the workplace. Others pushed back on broad criticisms of people with SUD, saying that those who speak openly about past drug use are relatable and authentic. A few shared personal experiences with workplace stigma and discrimination after disclosing their history of SUD.
On February 2, the Department of Health and Human Services announced increased funding “to solve long-standing homelessness issues, fight opioid addiction, and improve public safety by expanding treatment that emphasizes recovery and self-sufficiency.” The announcement alleged that previous government-led SUD and overdose prevention efforts, including harm reduction programs, “enabled future drug use.” Many social media users celebrated the announcement and suggested that people with SUD should “take responsibility” for their recovery instead of relying on harm reduction tools to stay alive. Others correctly stated that harm reduction programs help people who use drugs live healthier lives so they can seek treatment when they’re ready. Some also cited evidence that harm reduction programs prevent overdose deaths.
A recent lawsuit and multiple state bills prompted widespread debate about SSPs. On February 10, a Washington state Christian group announced a legal settlement that could establish new protections for harm reduction services, including SSPs, under the Americans with Disabilities Act. That week, an Oregon bill that would have banned SSPs near schools and childcare facilities did not advance in the state legislature, while a West Virginia bill that would ban all SSPs in the state advanced through a House subcommittee. Some social media users responding to articles about the lawsuit and bills falsely claimed that SSPs increase syringe litter and alleged that they “enable” drug use, echoing reactions to the HHS funding announcement. Others highlighted the benefits of SSPs, noting that they decrease the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C and help people who use drugs live healthier lives.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Recommendations for public health professionals
The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.
Given discussions about SUD and workplace stigma, communicators may explain that the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who have a history of SUD but are not currently using drugs. The ADA also prohibits workplace discrimination against people who are prescribed medication for SUD, such as methadone or buprenorphine. Messaging may share tips for reducing stigma against people with SUD, as well as local recovery groups, drug treatment centers, and SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP).
Conversations about SSPs and other types of harm reduction programs often draw false claims, providing an opportunity to correct misconceptions about their services and highlight their benefits to the community. Messaging may explain that these programs offer a variety of services that go far beyond sterile syringes, from naloxone and test strips to vaccinations, wound care, HIV testing, and other lifesaving services. Communicators may highlight that providing sterile syringes reduces the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, which helps the entire community. Additionally, messaging may explain that these programs prevent overdose deaths, help people who use drugs live healthier lives, and connect people to treatment when they’re ready. Sharing information about local harm reduction programs, including SSPs, is recommended.