Session Description: The stigma associated with addiction remains a major barrier to recovery, treatment, and support for people with substance use disorder (SUD). This presentation will explore the nature of addiction stigma, with a focus on the stigma landscape in Iowa and its broader societal impact. Participants will learn how stigma influences individuals, treatment access, and our cultural norms, often discouraging people from seeking the help they need. Additionally, this session will provide guidance on how individuals can offer meaningful support to people with SUD—personally, in professional settings, and within healthcare environments—to foster a culture of understanding and compassion.

Learning objectives:

• Understand Addiction Stigma and the Stigma Landscape in Iowa
• Learn the Impacts of Stigma
• Explore Strategies to Reduce Addiction Stigma

Courtney McKeon, MBA
Senior Vice President, National Stigma Initiative, Shatterproof

Courtney McKeon is the Senior Vice President of the Shatterproof National Stigma Initiative, where she leads a team in delivering addiction stigma reduction interventions for communities and healthcare professionals across the nation. Prior to joining Shatterproof, Courtney worked at the END Fund, a private philanthropic initiative working to end neglected tropical diseases. Courtney double majored in Public Policy and Global Health, receiving a Bachelors from Duke University and earned her Masters of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University.