Hope In The Valley Series - Episode 2 with Ricky N. Bluthenthal, Ph.D (Ep.59)

Ramon Sanchez, LCSW with cohost Dr. Ashleigh Herrera dive into the conversation with Ricky N. Bluthenthal, Ph.D and discuss the challenges and disparities in substance use treatment and prevention, particularly focusing on the impact of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) on marginalized communities. It explores the disproportionate impact of substance use on communities of color, the barriers to accessing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and the gaps in substance use prevention and research for marginalized communities. Additionally, it discusses the influence of psychosocial stressors on substance use and mental health. The conversation delves into the impact of stigma and systemic racism on overdose prevention measures, the need for nuanced and culturally sensitive approaches to substance use disorder, policy changes and systemic impact, and hope for health equity and prevention. The discussion highlights the challenges in promoting awareness, addressing stigma and systemic racism, and the need for linguistically accessible services and culturally specific messaging. Additionally, the conversation emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals with resources for behavior change and the shift to direct inject as a method for initiating MOUD.This project is funded by the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) State Opioid Response Grant (SOR). The contents and views are those of the author and may not reflect the policies or views of DHCS or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).