LGBTQ communities face a greater risk for substance misuse due to a convergence of several risk factors: a higher incidence of trauma than the general population, social venues dedicated to drinking, predatory alcohol and tobacco marketing, and minority stress. Though substance use screening is a part of most medical history and behavioral health intake interviews, too often the signs of a serious problem go unaddressed in primary care settings. This skills-focused webinar will explore the scope of substance use disorder within LGBTQ communities, suggest targeted screening instruments and brief intervention strategies, and emphasize LGBTQ-affirming attitudes and approaches that work most effectively with these vulnerable populations.
Kate Bishop, MSSA, the Education Coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in working with LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, adolescent development, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. She is certified as a trainer through GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) as well as SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Before joining the Chase Brexton team, she developed the capacity building program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV program, providing cultural responsiveness trainings for agencies that serve sexual minority youth of color. Ms. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.
