New Resources from the Center of Excellence on Racial and Ethnic Minority YMSM + LGBT Populations

December 17, 2015

Brandy Oeser, MPH
Project Director
YMSM-LGBT Center of Excellence

The Center of Excellence on Racial and Ethnic Minority Young Men Who Have Sex with Men and Other Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations (YMSM+LGBT CoE)  has been busy during our first year. 

The project is funded by SAMHSA as a supplement to ATTC Network and represents a collaboration between three ATTC Centers: Pacific Southwest ATTC, the National American Indian and Alaska Native ATTC, and the Northeast and Caribbean ATTC.  The National Hispanic and Latino ATTC and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science are also lending their expertise in working with racial and ethnic minorities. Charles R. Drew University is a Los Angeles-based Historically Black Graduate Institute and charter member of the Hispanic-Serving Health Professional Schools.

One of our major deliverables for this first year is to release the revision of A Provider's Introduction to Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals. The CoE worked in conjunction with many subject area providers and experts, who reviewed and discussed current administrative and clinical practices for treating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals with substance use disorders. This team of experts then developed and edited the resulting training curriculum. 

The CoE piloted this version of the training curriculum across the country among substance abuse treatment providers, counselors, therapists, administrators, and other professionals working with YMSM and LGBT clients. The full-day training consists of six modules, beginning with an introduction to key terms and concluding with  treatment considerations for clinical work. This includes how to conduct an assessment, take a family history, and other evidence-based practices. The other four modules within the curriculum address the specific needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. This program can be modified to a half-day training, and we are developing other modules on topics such as cultural diversity and legal issues.

A new curriculum: Reducing SUD and new HIV infections among YMSM 

Our CoE is also finalizing a curriculum that addresses the needs of YMSM. This curriculum includes the latest research-based information to help decrease the rate of substance abuse and new HIV infections among racial/ethnic minority YMSM clients. The full-day curriculum includes seven modules, and can also be modified to a half-day training. The modules cover: 

• Epidemiology, including the prevalence and related risk factors of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), co-occurring substance use and mental health issues, homelessness, suicide, and trauma/violence among YMSM. 
• Race/ethnicity and its impact on the various risk factors. 
• Cultural competency. This module defines cultural competence, humility, proficiency, and how to identify and incorporate practices that engage and retain YMSMs in care. 
• Minority Stress and its impact on the physical and mental health of YMSMs. 
• Trans men and their needs.
• Treatment considerations and best practices relevant to providers working with YMSM 

Mark your calendars

Beginning in February 2016, we will be holding Training of Trainer events across the country. These TOT’s will help develop a wide number of trainers, who will then be able to deliver these exciting new trainings. Watch your email for an announcement of the TOT dates and how to apply to become a trainer.

Please visit our website (www.ymsmlgbt.org ) for more information.