OPEN MINDS Announces Executive Roundtable On Addiction Stigma Among Clinicians

Gettysburg, Pa. (May 11, 2024) On May 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET, Shatterproof National Stigma Initiative Senior Vice President Courtney McKeon and Program Manager Robert DeForde will present the Shatterproof National Stigma Initiative’s “A Provider’s Pathway” Curriculum” during the OPEN MINDS Circle Elite Executive Roundtable, Addressing Addiction Stigma Among Clinicians: The Shatterproof ‘A Provider’s Pathway’ Curriculum.

This virtual e-learning curriculum is designed to educate health care clinicians, particularly prescribing clinicians, about evidence-based addiction treatment and reducing stigma in clinical settings. Ms. McKeon and Mr. DeForde will also discuss strategies to create a safe, non-stigmatizing environment for people with SUD.

To succeed in the health care landscape that is increasingly focused on whole person care models, provider organizations need a plan educate both clinicians and the community about the importance of empathy,” said OPEN MINDS Chief Executive Officer Monica E. Oss. “Understanding and using evidence-based practices in treating addiction will be critical for providing a supportive culture around addiction treatment and achieving better outcomes.”

Executive attendees of this session will learn:

• How provider organizations can integrate stigma reduction training into provider education
• What barriers exist to implementing stigma-reduction strategies in clinical settings
• How executive leadership can take an active role in challenging stigma within their teams

To register for the 1:00 p.m. ET, May 15 event, visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1809504114395254614. There is no cost to register, but a free membership in the OPEN MINDS Circle is required.

Speaker Bios

Courtney McKeon, Senior Vice President, Shatterproof National Stigma Initiative

Courtney McKeon is the Senior Vice President of Shatterproof’s National Stigma Initiative. In this role she leads a multidisciplinary team that designs and implements evidence-informed interventions to reduce stigma associated with substance use and substance use disorder (SUD). Courtney’s previous role was in Strategy and Operations, where she developed and streamlined organizational processes, designed human capital initiatives, and supported the Executive Office. Courtney received her Bachelors in Public Policy and Global Health from Duke University and has her Masters of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University.

Robert DeForde, Program Manager, Shatterproof National Stigma Initiative

Robert DeForde (he/him/his) brings firsthand lived experience as a member of the recovery community for over ten years in addition to having worked on the ground in treatment centers locally in Houston, Texas. After being diagnosed with a hereditary bleeding disorder as a young teen, Robert co-founded the Texas Bleeding Disorders Coalition at the age of 18, for the first time ever aligning the advocacy goals of the two bleeding disorder organizations in the State. Robert has continued his passion for advocacy, assisting annually with the organization, strategy, and execution of Patient Services Incorporated’s National Advocacy Day. Robert completed his undergraduate degree in Health Disparities, Diversity, & Advocacy at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He continues to play an integral role in the program as an adjunct faculty member. His education continues as he pursues a Masters of Education in Healthcare Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Houston.

About OPEN MINDS

OPEN MINDS is a national market intelligence, management consulting, and marketing services firm specializing exclusively in the high-needs consumer market – mental health, addiction treatment, cognitive disabilities, chronic health conditions, elder services, health-related social needs, and adjacent markets within the health and human service field. Its mission is to provide payers, service provider organizations, pharmaceutical, technology, and scientific firms that serve these consumers with the market and management knowledge needed to improve their organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Learn more at openminds.com.