Drug Policy and BIPOC Communities: Creating a More Equitable System of Care

Presented By: Aaron Williams, M.A.; Senior Advisor, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Substance use is a public health issue that should be addressed through strategies that provide treatment, reduce harm, and engage people in appropriate services when and where they are needed, yet challenges remain to providing services in equitable ways. Communities of color often have less access to evidence-based treatments and supports such as addiction medications and recovery housing. Additionally, communities of color often experience more punitive criminal/legal penalties related to their drug use. Given the rise of drug-related harms over the last decade, it is critical that effective substance use services are equitably provided. This webinar will explore the current state of addiction in the US and how drug policies can be shifted to provide more equitable access to services and more recovery-oriented communities.

CEU’s Available: up to 1 hour requested with NCSAPPB