Harm reduction (HR) is an approach that emphasizes engaging directly with people who use drugs to prevent overdose, reduce infectious disease transmission, improve the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of those served, and offer low-threshold options for accessing substance use disorder treatment and other health care services.
Harm reduction models consider the difficulties individuals may face while accessing services. For Latinos with mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs), the availability of harm reduction strategies helps prevent related health risks while also addressing barriers to access that exist in many Hispanic/Latinx communities. Some of the barriers that may prevent Latinos from receiving services include language barriers, discrimination towards individuals suffering from mental illness/SUD, and the absence culturally responsive services and service providers within Hispanic/Latinx communities.
This webinar will provide an overview of evidence-based harm reduction strategies and the effectiveness of offering harm reduction options to Hispanic/Latinx communities. The presenter will also include cultural considerations and the inclusion of cultural values in this process.
Registrants who fully attend this training may be eligible to receive a certificate of attendance. Certificates of attendance will be disseminated by the hosting agency, The Institute of Research Education and Services of Addiction (IRESA), after the conclusion of the training.
Dr. Michelle Evans is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider and Evaluator. She has worked primarily with the Latinx population throughout her career as a child welfare specialist and forensic evaluator and treatment provider. She is currently the Hospital Administrator for Elgin Mental Health Center in Elgin, Illinois, a state forensic psychiatric hospital. She is in private practice at Nickerson & Associates, PC as a therapist where she treats adults and adolescents with mental health issues, substance abuse issues and sex addictions. She also teaches on these topics at Aurora University and University of Chicago. Previously, she was the Assistant Dean for Health Professions and Public Service at Waubonsee Community College, and she has held other positions within higher education and private psychiatric hospitals. Throughout her career, she has worked to increase equity, justice, and cultural awareness in these institutions.
The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
