Thanks, @GlobeAndMail, for the invite to speak on today's #OpioidSymposium2018 / #StopOverdoses panel called, "Changing conversation in and through media." I couldn't go, so here are some thoughts for you and the 'invitation only' crowd:
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Media hasn't just changed the conversation. Some rockstar journos *started* the conversation before governments and public health authorities would even acknowledge it.
@ReidSouthwick,@justinCgio,@AndreaWoo and all of@VICECanada among those.2 replies 5 retweets 18 likesShow this thread -
But media's role is more than generating conversation. It influences public policy and delivers public health messages. Those are hefty responsibilities that I think require a few things:
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Hakique Virani Retweeted Hakique Virani
Be factual. Sure, hyperbole reads well, but it can be harmful. How the toxicity of emerging substances is reported is an example that comes to mind.https://twitter.com/hakique/status/1029939240568643584 …
Hakique Virani added,
Hakique Virani @hakiqueInterviewer: Carfentanil is 100X more toxic than fentanyl, right? Me: Actually, no. Interviewer: But it's really risky for first responders to touch it, right? Me: Really, no. I guess they'd already prepared the graphic. https://globalnews.ca/video/4390242/toronto-police-warn-of-deaths-potentially-linked-to-carfentanil … pic.twitter.com/g6NLshDDuYShow this thread1 reply 2 retweets 17 likesShow this thread -
Prioritize humanism, equity and inclusion over word count and clickability, People are more than a single health behaviour. She is not "an addict" surrounded by strewn about needles. She is Eva. Sometimes she uses substances.
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Unfortunately, "the opioid epidemic has shown that journalism still slouches toward sensationalism" ~
@RCJonesPhoto in this outstanding@NYTimes piece. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/31/opinion/photography-exploitation-opioid.html …2 replies 3 retweets 21 likesShow this thread
Thanks so much for share, Hakique. Appreciate your perspective and intelligent thoughts. Hopefully more journalists can get onboard with more sensitivity and the response from this essay has me encouraged
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