This presentation will examine the impact of health disparities at the intersection of substance use disorder (SUD) and race, among black gay men. Already bearing the burden of HIV, SUD can be devastating to a community already struggling to find resources. By bringing awareness to this subject, we can begin to shift attention to meet the needs of an oftentimes overlooked community.
Public health departments, stakeholders, and community-based organizations have novel opportunities to engage specific populations with mechanisms that prioritize value and emphasize impact. This interactive presentation will provide evidence-based research findings and rich discussion to raise awareness of this public health threat among Black gay men.
-Understand unique circumstances of black gay men using SUD
-Operationalize best practices among public health professionals to more accurately meet the needs of this population
-Disseminate lessons learned with interested parties and continue identifying gaps that may arise.
Dr. Bryant brings a plethora of experiences dealing with substance use disorders through clinical practice, policy, and research. He has been successful in developing and implementing a statewide strategic plan for the state of Georgia in response to the opioid and prescription drug overdose epidemic. As a part-time Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State University, Health Promotion Department, Dr. Bryant has received funding from Georgia Department of Public Health to do a needs assessment in support of the Statewide Strategic Plan for Opioid Abuse. Dr. Bryant just receives certification in contact tracing and plans to utilize this knowledge to train others in this technique Dr. Bryant continues to publish in the field of public health and holds dual positions in both public health and psychology at Capella University. Dr. Bryant is also a registered respiratory therapist, fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in the field of pediatrics.