2025 Wisconsin Harm Reduction Conference
The 2025 Wisconsin Harm Reduction Conference was the second event of its kind and was held July 16-17, 2025, in Wisconsin Dells and virtually.
Wisconsin’s second Harm Reduction Conference provided a time and space to learn and network. The goal of the conference was to bring together experts in the field of harm reduction along with others interested in learning about and expanding harm reduction services, resources, and policies. This opportunity provided a chance to build relationships with partners involved in the advancement of harm reduction in the state. For two days, partners in harm reduction came together to address a myriad of complex issues facing the harm reduction movement and drug user health.
Continuing education hours
Continuing education hours or CEHs were available to anyone who attended the live sessions, either virtually or in-person. No CEHs are available for watching session recordings after the event.
To receive CEHs, attendees must complete the evaluation in the Whova app. The survey closes August 1.
Session recordings and event materials
Session recordings are now available in the Whova app. Attendees have up to three months after the event to view sessions. Presentations and additional resources are available in the app.
Agenda
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- 8:30 - 9 a.m.: Registration, networking
- 9 - 10 a.m.: Welcome and announcements, Secretary Kirsten Johnson, Tribal welcome ceremony
- 10 - 11:15 a.m.: Opening keynote: Ricky
Bluthenthal - 11:15 - 11:30 a.m.: Break
- 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Breakout session 1 (five workshop options)
- 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch
- 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Breakout session 2 (five workshop options)
- 2:30 - 2:45 p.m.: Break
- 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.: Breakout sessions 3 (five workshop options)
- 3:45 - 4 p.m.: Break
- 4 - 5:15 p.m.: Closing keynote Day 1: Philomena
Kebec - 7-8 p.m.: Recovery meeting
Breakout session topics include:
- Understanding and Reducing Harm while Finding Healing for Sex Workers
- Post Overdose: Compassionate Response
- Wisconsin's Harm Reduction Strategic Plan
- Engaging the Public in Conversations about Harm Reduction
- Community Outreach: Engaging with Dignity
- Harm Reduction through a Social Equity Lens
- Data-driven Communities: Demanding Results without Excuse
- The Impact of Drug Market Disruptions on People Receiving Harm Reduction Services
- A 24/7 Approach to Harm Reduction with the Public Health Vending Machine
- Don't Duck the Conversation About Mental Health
- How Employment Saves Lives
- Facing Legal Repercussions for Doing the Right Thing: Why Wisconsin Needs a Stronger Good Samaritan Law
- Harm Reduction Innovations across Wisconsin
Also onsite:
- Harm Reduction Response Team
- Data Cafe with the Wisconsin Suspected Overdose Alerts for Rapid Response (WiSOARR) team
- Feedback board for the newly established Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Centers
- Memory quilt, self-care room, and exhibitors
- 8 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast and registration
- 9 - 10:15 a.m.: Closing keynote: Tracie
Gardner - 10:15 - 10:30 a.m.: Break
- 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Breakout session 4 (five workshop options)
- 11:30 - 11:45 a.m.: Break
- 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Breakout session 5 (five workshop options)
- 12:45 - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch
- 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Breakout session 6 (five workshop options)
Breakout session topics include:
- From an Addict to an Expert: How Storytelling and Social Media Can Save Lives
- Effective Tools for Safer Use: Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips, Community Insights, and the Future of Drug Checking
- Creating Community Support Networks: Partnering with Local Government, Libraries, and Community Spaces for Effective Harm Reduction
- Bridging the Gap: Culturally Responsive Harm Reduction Strategies
- Naloxone Access Across Wisconsin: How Local Input Can Shape Distribution
- Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: The Next Step in Non-Coercive Care
- Creating a County Opioid and Overdose Education and Harm Reduction Program: Successes and Lessons Learned in Eau Claire County
- Options, Not Judgments: Harm Reduction in the Sex Trades
- Vital Strategies in Wisconsin Work and Sustainability
- Incorporating Non-injection Supplies into Harm Reduction
- Residential Strategies for Drug-Involved Clients
- Viral Hepatitis Elimination in Wisconsin
Also onsite:
- Harm Reduction Response Team
- Data Cafe with the Wisconsin Suspected Overdose Alerts for Rapid Response (WiSOARR) team
- Feedback board for the newly established Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Centers
- Memory quilt, self-care room, and exhibitors
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 information
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. (opens external video)
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