Categorical approaches have led to a broad number of interventions addressing substance use with a behavioral change focus. These types of approaches have often overlooked the complexities related to structural factors contributing to negative health outcomes deriving from substance use, thus increasing health disparities in poor communities and communities of color. Bridge for Community and Mobilization (BCOM) is a program plan designed to facilitate the development of critical consciousness, community building and transformation in the San Francisco Bayview Hunters Point (BVHP) community to address root causes associated with substance use and to establish future primary prevention mechanisms. BCOM is grounded on the theories developed by Meredith Minkler and Paulo Freire, combined with a Harm Reduction approach. The essential components of BCOM, its theoretical underpinnings and the challenges and opportunities involved in BCOM's implementation will be discussed in this session.
Learning Objectives: 1) Explore and discuss Frerian methodology as an alternative model to addressing root causes of alcohol and drug use. 2) Identify differences between interventions targeting individual life-style changes versus structural-related causes of substance use. 3) Articulate the challenges and opportunities in employing a Harm Reduction approach and a Frerian model toward addressing root causes of substance use
Keywords: Community Building, Primary Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.