Ensuring that people who use drugs are safely and equitably included at meetings and conferences

Collaborating with people who use or used drugs (PWUD) in research and policy fora and incorporating their perspectives in decision-making processes is a crucial step towards mitigating drug policy-related harm. PWUD are experts in drug use and equipped to share their experiences and knowledge and impact drug policy change. However, equitable inclusion of PWUD in conferences and other fora is typically inadequate. PWUD were central participants in the planning and implementation of the Stimulus 2018: Drugs, Policy, and Practice conference. Conference planners made considerable effort to ensure PWUD attendees had their physical and emotional needs met, including access to overdose prevention services. However, guidance is needed to better safeguard the physical and mental health of conference attendees who use drugs. This Research & Practice Note aims to initiate discussion on this underexplored topic and provide ideas for the safer inclusion of PWUD within research and policy fora.