Empathy Lens: Humanizing Images & Education for Harm Reduction

Research has demonstrated that the use of stigmatizing language and imagery related to substance users perpetuates harmful stereotypes and health inequities among this already marginalized population. As information specialists in the substance use field, part of our mission is to advance the progress of addiction science and improve public health by seeking and sharing valid and reliable information about substance use disorders for a range of audiences, including information about harm reduction, treatment, prevention, and recovery for researchers, health care providers, the public health and addiction workforces, and the general public. However, finding realistic, high-quality images to support our information dissemination work is a constant struggle, as many currently available asset collections, including fee-based stock photo sites, largely contain dehumanizing and/or factually incorrect graphics on this topic. This project aims to develop a free online resource of accurate, compassionate, and non-stigmatizing images to be used both in our outreach and educational work and in the related work of organizations performing similar tasks and to provide evidence-based education for the populations we serve about 1) the impact of harmful images and language on stigma and related health inequities for people who use drugs and 2) where to find accurate, non-stigmatizing information and images to use in our work, including both in our collection and in recommended related resources like MedlinePlus, PubMed (for information) and NLM Digital Collections (for images).