The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44055

Lisa A. Melchior, PhD¹, G. J. Huba, PhD¹, Vivian B. Brown, PhD², and Ruth I. Slaughter². (1) The Measurement Group, 5811A Uplander Way, Culver City, CA 90230, 310-216-1051, lmelchior@TheMeasurementGroup.com, (2) PROTOTYPES, 5601 West Slauson Avenue, Suite 200, Culver City, CA 90230

Focused community outreach efforts are needed to engage and retain women in substance abuse treatment and other needed healthcare and social support programs. As part of a service continuum for women at risk in downtown Los Angeles, an intervention was developed to meet women at their individual level of readiness to seek help for changing substance abuse and other health risk behaviors. Since 1999, the program has implemented a targeted intervention model to increase service system capacity for outreach to women at risk for HIV/AIDS in minority communities. Between October 1999 and December 2001, the program has provided intensive outreach and treatment readiness services to 530 women (69% African American, 19% Latina, and 12% Caucasian). In addition to substance abuse histories, 74% are homeless, 42% are involved in sex work, and 26% are injection drug users (64% of whom report sharing works). The program provides a range of individual and group interventions designed to link the woman to needed services and to reduce HIV risk behaviors. Virtually all women referred to substance abuse treatment (98%) were verified to have entered treatment. Follow-up interviews 6-months post-intake demonstrate significant reductions in substance use (Wilks’ lambda=.56, F(8,83)=8.162, p < .001) and 57% of the women have made specific changes to reduce risky sexual behaviors. Results will be discussed within the context of how services to women at risk must be culturally appropriate and woman-centered to maximize outcomes for this highly vulnerable population.

Learning Objectives:

2. Identify key elements of community outreach to women at risk.
4. Describe the characteristics and service needs of substance abusing women.
6. Define three major outcomes obtained by this treatment readiness program.

Keywords: Women, Substance Abuse Treatment

Related Web page: www.themeasurementgroup.com/pwsrc.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.