MassHEAL - Reducing overdose deaths by 40% (2019-2023)

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Addiction is a stigmatized condition affecting diverse populations including disproportionate effects on marginalized communities. Therefore, we have to solve complex problems caused by addiction in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. It is clear that diverse groups are more productive, innovative, and likely to develop new approaches to solving complex problems related to addiction. Our objective is to leverage existing programs at Boston Medical Center and Boston University to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in addiction related fields (IDEAAA). We have 3 approaches to achieve this objective: Approach 1: Extending outreach in existing addiction medicine training programs in order to increase the likelihood of successful application and participation in these programs by members of underrepresented groups. Approach 2: Integrating addiction-related case studies, research, shadowing, games and theater into existing programs engaging underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Goals: 1) To introduce addiction as an exciting and viable career path, 2) to increase knowledge around substance use disorders and their prevention & treatment, 3) to reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorders, and 4) to increase the diversity of ideas to prevent, treat and reduce the harms of addiction. Approach 3: Supporting retention of diverse faculty doing addiction-related work by linking them to funded research projects. Our goal for Amaya Powis is for her to assist Mx. Jules Canfield on Approach 1, conducting needs assessments and focus groups with existing addiction medicine training programs on the experiences of past and present program participants from underrepresented groups (URGs), and Dr. Emily Hurstak on Approach 2 activities and tasks, including creating curriculum-based material on topics about substance use disorders for existing high school and undergrad STEM programs and assisting with post-intervention evaluation. In addition, we will aim to offer Amaya a robust learning experience outside of her internship duties. We will connect her with and encourage her to attend addiction-focused activities at Boston Medical Center throughout her internship. These activities include the Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit Journal Club, Case Conference, and Summer Research Program’s weekly didactics and healthcare provider & guests in recovery panels.