Primary prevention is a key strategy for eliminating inequities in substance misuse prevention. These resources and tools can help to improve the quality of services provided by the substance misuse prevention workforce in order to reduce health disparities and achieve health equity so that all individuals receiving prevention services feel acknowledged and respected.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Behavioral health equity is a right! A right to access high-quality and affordable health care services and supports for all populations, including Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality. This series will offer important tools and advance ideas relevant to the varied needs, perspectives, and communities in Region 4.
To be successful and sustainable, coalitions and prevention providers must be able to plan and implement prevention strategies that are data-driven, evidence-based and promote health equity. Over the course of these four informational sessions prevention professionals built their capacity to promote health equity in prevention processes and strategies related to the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). Virtual Communities of Practice were offered to session attendees looking for a deeper discussion and planning around the application of health equity.
