2025 Wisconsin Harm Reduction Conference

A note about stigmatizing language

The Wisconsin Harm Reduction Conference will be providing a time and space to learn and network, bringing together experts in the field of harm reduction along with others interested in learning about and expanding the harm reduction field, services, resources, and policies. Attendees will include people with lived and living experience. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and conferences organizers promote person-centered language to avoid stigma and reduce negative bias when discussing addiction.

There may be some language used at the conference that could be considered stigmatizing; these terms are commonly used within social communities of people with lived and living experience with substance use. While this language may be offensive to some, conference organizers will not monitor how people refer to themselves or how they identify.

Stigmatizing language used to refer to others outside of yourself to demean, discriminate, or call out any individual in a negative way will not be tolerated.

Additional conference information

If you have questions about the registration process, contact UW-Milwaukee Center for Inclusive Transition, Education and Employment (CITEE) at citee-events@uwm.edu. CITEE is providing planning and logistics support for this event.

Single day passes for July 16-17 are not available. Two-day registration is the only option to attend the conference. All registrants will have access to recordings of sessions on July 16-17 if they were unable to attend. Recording will be available up to 3 months after the event.

Videography/photography

Organizers and any news media may be videotaping or photographing portions of this event. By attending this event, registrants acknowledge these activities and agree to allow their image to be used by the organizers and news media in any way. Registrants may not videotape or broadcast any portion of this event without written permission from organizers.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation requests for this event must be received in writing no later than June 20, 2025. Cancellations received after June 20, 2025, will not be refunded. Participants must cancel in advance of the event. No refunds will be issued once the event has started, regardless of whether the participant joined the event. Send a cancellation request to citee-events@uwm.edu.

Refund policy

Refunds will only be issued to paid registered participants if this event is canceled for any reason. No exceptions. All registered participants have access to session recordings and materials for three months after this event.

Special meal requests

You are able to note any dietary accommodations in your registration. The planning committee will do it’s best to make arrangements for you and will follow up with you directly if we need any further information. A menu for both days of the event will be made available closer to the event. If you have any questions, contact citee-events@uwm.edu.

Event materials

The WHOVA app will be used to share event materials with all in-person and virtual participants. There will also be exhibitors on site with some materials for in-person attendees. Information on how to access the WHOVA app will be emailed to all registered participants several weeks before the event. The event app will be available May 1.

Continuing education: More information coming.

Lodging

There is a room block available at the Chula Vista for in-person attendees. Contact the Chula Vista directly at 855-360-6691 to reserve your room.

The rate is $98 per night. Plan your travel and overnight stays accordingly. To reserve a room under the room block, mention the booking ID for the Harm Reduction Conference that came with your registration confirmation. If you have questions about this process, contact citee-events@uwm.edu.

Conference objectives

• Provide safe spaces for the exchange of ideas and cutting-edge practices that reduce harms associated with drug use.
• Create networking opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds committed to program and policy change and reform.
• Promote the delivery of harm reduction services in Wisconsin and Tribal nations that engage people who use drugs to support connection, safety, and improved quality of life.
• Provide the opportunity to discuss the benefits of harm reduction, best practices, resources, policies, and areas needing development and support.

Who should attend

• Syringe service programs (SSPs) providers
• Local and Tribal health and health and human services department staff, including, directors, nurses, harm reduction staff, health educators, and peer support specialists
• Health care professionals, including, substance use disorders counselors, community health care workers, mental health professionals, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physicians
• Public health and health care students and fellows
• Overdose fatality review (OFR) members
• First responders, including, law enforcement, EMS, fire department, mobile response teams
• AIDS, HIV, and viral hepatitis care workers
• Local government and Tribal elected officials, including, county and judge executives, mayors, presidents, council Tribal members

Join us to connect some of the brightest minds in harm reduction, including those serving and working in the field every day, those with lived and living experiences, and those who are new to harm reduction.

Additional information

As more information becomes available, it will be posted to this webpage.

Wisconsin's first harm reduction conference was held in 2023. Want to learn more about the 2023 conference? Check out the video created to share some highlights from this conference.

Questions can be directed to citee-events@uwm.edu.

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