Something Positive for Positive People Podcast
Episode: SPFPP 364: Minimizing Stigma in Medical Settings
Host: Courtney Brame
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 364 of the Something Positive for Positive People podcast, host Courtney Brame delves into the critical topic of minimizing stigma within medical settings, especially concerning herpes. This episode highlights the podcast's evolution from a platform for sharing personal herpes experiences to a nonprofit organization actively working to reduce stigma through innovative training programs and community engagement.
Evolution of the Podcast into a Nonprofit
Courtney begins by sharing the origins of the podcast, which started in 2017 as a space for individuals struggling with their herpes diagnosis. Recognizing the alarming number of listeners experiencing suicidal ideation due to herpes stigma, Courtney transitioned the podcast into a nonprofit organization aimed at providing therapeutic support, gathering essential data, and fostering a supportive community.
Notable Quote:
"It grew into a nonprofit... to bring a sense of community together outside the context of 'Oh my God, I have herpes. This is the worst thing that ever happened to me.'"
— Courtney Brame [00:19]
Training Simulation for Medical Professionals
A significant portion of the episode focuses on a recent initiative spearheaded by the nonprofit: a training simulation designed to help clinicians, sex educators, and medical students effectively communicate with patients diagnosed with herpes. This simulation aimed to provide realistic scenarios where healthcare providers could practice delivering diagnoses and offering support without perpetuating stigma.
Key Aspects of the Simulation:
-
Case Studies:
- Married 40-Year-Old with Physical Symptoms: The clinician had to address not only the herpes diagnosis but also the patient's fear that their spouse might be unfaithful.
- Genderqueer Individual Seeking to Date: Focused on helping the patient communicate their herpes status to potential partners while respecting their gender identity.
- Neonatal Herpes: An improvisational role-play exploring interactions related to neonatal herpes cases.
-
Feedback Mechanism:
Participants received direct feedback from patients and peers, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and open dialogue. -
Challenges Encountered:
- Technical Issues: Some clinicians were uncomfortable being on camera, leading to strategies like filming only the backs of their heads.
- Resource Allocation: The project incurred costs of approximately $12,000 to $15,000, funded largely by donations and support from organizations like the Love and Action Fund.
Notable Quote:
"We were able to get some volunteers that offered to contribute to this, the money that we were able to raise... I want to thank my yoga therapy clients because your contributions have helped make this possible."
— Courtney Brame [07:00]
Future Directions and Expansion Plans
Courtney expresses enthusiasm for expanding the training program, aiming to secure grants and additional funding to reach a broader audience. The vision includes creating jobs for patient actors nationwide and collaborating with various health-related organizations to integrate stigma-free communication training into their protocols.
Notable Quote:
"As long as I can find the funding opportunities, I'll be able to continue to run this program, train everybody, organize the events and put these on."
— Courtney Brame [08:00]
Upcoming Events and Workshops
The episode highlights several upcoming events designed to foster community and provide practical workshops on minimizing stigma:
-
Social Event in Brooklyn:
- Date: Next Thursday, March 6th
- Details: A free event hosted at a private residence for community members to socialize and connect.
"The intention is just for us to hang out, for us to just socialize."
— Courtney Brame [11:43] -
Stigma Minimization Expo in Newark, NJ:
- Date: March 6th
- Location: NJCRI
- Activities: Workshops on pleasure-based activities and herpes disclosure strategies using the STARS framework by Dr. Evelyn Dacker.
"Dakota is going to come do her Deep Throat workshop... I myself am going to facilitate a herpes disclosure workshop."
— Courtney Brame [12:11] -
Workshop in New York City:
- Date: April 6th or 8th
- Location: Hit Me Up Space
- Focus: Rejection handling and herpes disclosure culture, coupled with socializing opportunities.
"These are going to be two separate workshops for the price of one admission."
— Courtney Brame [13:23] -
International Conferences:
- Locations: Montreal and Phoenix, Arizona
- Activities: Presentations and yoga therapy training for sexual health organizations.
"I'll be in Canada, Montreal... and June, early June is Sci Engage in Phoenix, Arizona."
— Courtney Brame [14:30]
Personal Reflections and Growth
Towards the latter part of the episode, Courtney opens up about her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and redefining her identity beyond her work with herpes-related issues. She discusses her ongoing yoga therapy training and how principles from yoga philosophy and Napoleon Hill's "Outwitting the Devil" are guiding her personal development.
Key Themes:
-
Setting Boundaries:
Courtney reflects on establishing boundaries in various aspects of her life, including time, finances, and emotional energy, to uphold her identity and integrity. -
Identity Beyond Herpes:
She explores how to see herself beyond her sexual health status, striving for acceptance and validation in broader social contexts. -
Letting Go of Attachments:
Incorporating teachings from yoga philosophy, Courtney discusses overcoming fear, ignorance, and attachment to foster personal growth and resilience.
Notable Quote:
"Boundaries are a way of upholding my identity... It's more important to me that I be real than I be right."
— Courtney Brame [14:50]
Calls to Action
Courtney concludes the episode with several calls to action:
-
Participate in Surveys:
She encourages listeners to take part in surveys to help gather data essential for securing funding and expanding services. -
Support Donations:
Donations, regardless of size, are crucial for sustaining and growing the nonprofit's initiatives. Courtney emphasizes that every contribution counts towards accountability and value. -
Collaborate for Training Programs:
Mental health professionals and clinicians are invited to reach out for stigma-free training collaborations to enhance patient care. -
Attend Upcoming Events:
Listeners are urged to register for and participate in the various workshops and expos to support the mission of minimizing stigma.
Notable Quote:
"If you work at a health-related organization, please have somebody get in contact with me so that we can talk about what it looks like to host and facilitate a training."
— Courtney Brame [09:57]
Conclusion
Episode 364 of Something Positive for Positive People serves as a comprehensive overview of Courtney Brame's relentless efforts to combat herpes stigma within medical settings and beyond. Through innovative training simulations, community events, and personal growth, Courtney illustrates a multifaceted approach to fostering a more accepting and supportive environment for individuals living with herpes. The episode not only highlights significant achievements and future plans but also offers a deeply personal insight into Courtney's journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Connect with Something Positive for Positive People:
- Website: SPFPP.org
- Upcoming Events: Check the Events tab on the website for registration and details.
- Support and Donations: Visit the website to contribute and support the mission.
- Follow on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest news and event announcements.
This summary captures the essence of Episode 364, providing listeners with a detailed understanding of the discussions, insights, and future directions without needing to listen to the full episode.