Stigma-proofing coverage of homelessness and addiction
By Drew Hawkins, American Cities Fellow
Covering addiction and homelessness takes more than accuracy and good intentions — it demands an intentional approach to language, visuals, and narrative framing to avoid reinforcing stigma and disconnection. That was the key message from panelists during a discussion at Health Journalism 2025 on how to foster empathy and nuance in stories about people living with substance use disorders and housing instability.
Moderator Katia Riddle covers health policy for NPR’s Science Desk, including covering mental health and homelessness. She steered the conversation toward real-world examples, asking panelists to share what they’ve learned when stories missed the mark. They emphasized the value of cultivating long-term relationships with sources, deeply considering how they’re representing sources, and intentionally interrogating their own biases.
Seattle Times mental health reporter Hannah Furfaro shared how even a well-intentioned profile or breaking news piece can flatten people if journalists rely on tropes or don’t make space for complexity. She also emphasized using person-first language like “people living with addiction,” and carefully choosing visuals that don’t reduce someone to a single moment or condition.
The panel also highlighted the importance of official representation. Laath Martin works in media relations for the City of Long Beach’s Office of Public Affairs and Communications, but his background is in photojournalism. As someone who has to field requests from both the media and the public, he discussed strategic approaches to coverage, touching on the guidance and training he gives to his department’s staff. Martin also offered tips for how to responsibly visually represent people experiencing homelessness or substance use disorders adding that a compassionate approach is key to equitable storytelling.
Despite substance use disorder being diagnosed and treated as a medical condition, public opinion research indicates stigma persists. “Big city residents are split on whether drug use is primarily a choice or a health issue,” Elizabeth Green, communications director for the Big Cities Health Coalition said.
Green underscored the importance of representation when she discussed the impacts on opinion after respondents watched two videos on harm reduction that shared personal stories.
“Personal stories of harm reduction moved soft supporters and leaners toward stronger support of the approach,” Green said.
Drew Hawkins is based in New Orleans and covers public health in the Gulf States Newsroom.
