Meeting People Where They Are: A Harm Reductionist's Perspective on Medical Mistrust

A resident physician interviews community members in Wilmington, DE to explore what they prioritize about their health. I canvassed Wilmington and spoke with people regarding their health and describe my conversations with their permission. Many people highlighted ways in which social determinants of health impact their ability to routinely access health care, while others discussed a deep mistrust of physicians and the health care system. I discuss how harm reduction can guide providers in repairing trust and obtaining a therapeutic alliance when managing chronic diseases.