BIPOC/LGBTQ+ women equitable addiction treatment

Health Care Access

County of Los Angeles

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

The increasing rates of substance use among ethnic minorities, including Black/African-Americans and the LGBTQ+ community, have led to poorer treatment outcomes due to negative social determinants of health. Disturbingly, overdose mortality rates for Black/African-Americans exceeded those of White individuals in 2020, with many lacking evidence of prior substance use treatment before their deaths. Black women have experienced a particularly significant increase in overdose fatality rates, surpassing other racial or ethnic groups with a staggering rise of 144% from 2015 to 2020. The disparities in health and social consequences faced by racial minorities, especially African-Americans, can be attributed to inadequate representation, a lack of culturally-responsive training, and curriculum that fails to address the unique needs of these communities in treatment settings, as highlighted by reports from SAMSHA and the Institute of Medicine.

Our aim is to address the escalating substance use issues among BIPOC folks, with a specific focus on Black/African-American women and the LGBTQ+ community. Our residential facility provides a safe and supportive environment where these women receive comprehensive support, skills, and resources to achieve recovery and a smooth transition into society. Our project includes culturally-responsive training and a curriculum tailored to the unique needs of these communities. Our treatment program follows a phased approach. Phase One focuses on stabilization and acclimation, Phase Two addresses barriers to recovery and reentry into the community, and Phase Three emphasizes community reintegration and maintenance of recovery skills and support networks. We prioritize representation and diversity among our staff and counselors to ensure a more inclusive and empathetic approach to treatment. We strive to improve treatment outcomes and reduce disparities in health and social consequences through individualized treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, and holistic support services. Additionally, we collaborate with local community organizations, healthcare providers, and support networks to enhance access to resources and establish a robust support system beyond our residential facility. We actively engage in outreach programs to raise awareness, combat stigma, and provide education on substance misuse, mental health, and recovery within these underserved communities.

Our Vision: -Transform Los Angeles County by addressing substance use disorders with equity, compassion, and culturally-responsive care. Short-Term Goals: -Decrease substance misuse rates among ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles County. -Improve treatment outcomes through comprehensive, evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of these communities. -Create a safe and supportive residential facility that equips women with the necessary skills, resources, and support for successful recovery and reintegration. Long-Term Goals: -Eliminate disparities in health and social consequences related to substance use disorders among our target population. -Increase access to culturally-responsive treatment options and support networks, ensuring equitable care for all individuals. -Promote community resilience through outreach, education, and collaborative partnerships with local organizations.

We measure the impact of our through a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures. Quantitatively, we track key indicators like substance misuse rates, treatment outcomes, relapse rates, and rates of reintegration into society. We collect/analyze data on participant demographics to ensure equitable access and identify any disparities.Qualitatively, we gather feedback through participant surveys, interviews, clinical tools, and focus groups to assess their perception of the program's effectiveness, satisfaction levels, and improvements in their overall well-being. We also engage in ongoing collaboration with community partners and stakeholders to gather insights and assess the program's broader impact on the community. Our evidence includes documented success stories and testimonials from program participants, as well as data-driven reports that demonstrate positive trends in substance misuse reduction, improved treatment outcomes, and successful transitions into society.