Presenter(s): Michelle P. Durham, MD
Target Audience: This activity is designed for physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, physician assistants, pharmacists, interprofessional team, residents/fellows, medical students, other mental health clinicians. This activity is accredited for physicians, nurses, social workers, physician assistants, pharmacists, interprofessional team, and other health professionals.
Credit Designations Available: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, AAPA Category 1 CME, Social Work CE Credit, Nursing Contact Hours, Pharmacy CE Credit, Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) Credit
Webinar Description: This presentation, led by Dr. Michelle P. Durham provides an in-depth analysis of the systemic inequities that Black individuals face in accessing and receiving substance use treatment. The discussion highlights historical and contemporary factors contributing to these disparities, including the impact of systemic racism, discrimination, and mass incarceration. It explores the role of U.S. drug policies and the ongoing consequences of the War on Drugs, which disproportionately affect Black communities.
Dr. Durham emphasizes the need for culturally responsive treatment approaches and the importance of addressing social determinants of health to reduce these inequities. The presentation also discusses the psychological toll of these systemic challenges and offers actionable strategies for creating more equitable treatment environments. Through data and research, the presentation aims to educate healthcare providers on how to better support Black individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) and advocate for systemic changes in the healthcare and criminal justice systems. This presentation is designed to empower healthcare professionals to address these gaps and work towards a more just and equitable healthcare system for Black patients with substance use disorders.
Educational Objectives:
- Describe racial inequities in substance use disorders: Understand how systemic racism, discrimination, and social inequalities contribute to disparities in access to and treatment for substance use disorders among Black individuals.
- Review federal and state policies that influenced the criminalization of substance use: Analyze key drug policies, such as the Harrison Narcotics Act and the War on Drugs, and their disproportionate impact on Black communities in relation to substance use criminalization
- List individual and programmatic strategies to decrease inequities in treating substance use disorders: Identify both individual-level actions and programmatic changes that can reduce racial disparities in substance use treatment, including culturally responsive care and policy reforms.