Project ECHO LGBT: Making System Change to Address a High-Risk Population

Artist/photographer: Lavinia Solano

June 27, 2017

Kelly Gagnon

Research Assistant

WeitzmanInstitute at Community Health Center, Inc.

Gagnonk@chc1.com

How can you effectively treat a high risk population without knowing which patients make up the population? The answer is: you can’t. 

To treat the complex needs of LGBT patients, it is necessary to remove the veil hiding this population from their health care providers. This removes stigma and increases the availability of treatment options based off of the specific needs of this population.

In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Association for Community Health Centers (NACHC), Dr. Wanda Montalvo of the Weitzman Institute at Community Health Center, Inc. led an initiative entitled “Transforming Primary Care for LGBT People” to improve the quality of care LGBT patients receive at 10 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). 

Honoring Pride Month 2017: YMSM + LGBT Webinar Series

June 20, 2017

Brandy T. Oeser, MPH
Project Director
YMSM+LGBT ATTC Center of Excellence 

LGBT Pride Month is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. As part of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment's recognition of LGBT Pride Month, the YMSM+LGBT Center of Excellence would like to encourage you to visit our archived webinars, where you can learn more about the LGBT Community. We have webinars available on many topics, including:

• Creating an LGBT Affirming Organization
• Supporting Change for LGBTQ Young Adults
• Working With and For Two-Spirit Individuals

Cannabis News Roundup: June 2017

June 14, 2017 

Maureen Fitzgerald

ATTC Network Coordinating Office

NIATx 

The cannabis news deluge continues, with no sign of letting up.  Here's a roundup of some of the latest: 

Dryhootch: Coffee shops and technology-based peer support for Veterans

May 29, 2017

Bob Curry is a Vietnam veteran who founded Dryhootch.com to provide support for veterans returning to their communities after deployment. He was inspired to launch the project after his own experience with PTSD and a substance use disorder.  In 2012, the Obama White House recognized Curry as a Champion for Change.

Today, Dryhootch has seven brick and mortar coffee shops/ community centers across the U.S.  Curry has combined his understanding of veterans' needs with his expertise in technology to create virtual supports like the digital Forward Operating Base, or "FOB."  He's also partnered with IntheRooms to test virtual support meetings for veterans in recovery.

No More Excuses: Implementing Technology to Improve Substance Use Disorder Services

May 23, 2017

Terra Hamblin, M.A., NCC, DCC

Project Manager

National Frontier and Rural ATTC

• Seven billion people (95% of the global population) live in an area covered by a mobile-cellular network. (Bhuyan et al., 2016) 
• By 2018, an estimated 50% of the more than 3.4 billion smartphone and tablet users will have downloaded mHealth apps. (Kuersten, 2010) 
• Use of online and mobile technologies is increasing as consumers rely on Internet and smartphone-based tools for health information and tracking. (Ramsey et al., 2016) 
• 80% of providers want to be alerted if their client is at risk of relapse; only 8% would want an immediate alert (Muench, 2015).  Current evidence demonstrates patients use and are interested in using technologies as part of their treatment or continuing support. Understanding how technology can be implemented is a critical first step towards successful adoption of technology-assisted care.

Technology can be a powerful partner in helping people manage their health conditions. Are you prepared to offer technology-based services?