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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Lisa M. Avila, DC, Lisa Avila, D.C.: Chiropractic Kinesiology, 118 East 28th Street, #405, New York, NY 10016, 212-532-6500, avila_dc@yahoo.com, Rebecca Gallo, School of Public Health, Columbia University, 317 West 99th Street, #3C, New York, NY 10025, and David Rosenthal, PhD, Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center, 25 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002.

Research suggests that chiropractic/kinesiology (CK) treatments are not readily available or accessible to lower income individuals. The desire for CK services among lower income, homeless and drug using individuals has rarely been examined and few programs have ever been implemented. The Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center (LESHRC) in New York City (NYC) provides syringe exchange and social support services to drug users, people living with HIV/AIDS and other acute and chronic illnesses, such as Hepatitis C. Recently, CK treatment was made available to LESHRC participants. This presentation will describe the need for CK with this at risk population based on the individual presentation of the first 30 CK participants. There are several barriers to accessing treatment among drug users including fear of discrimination, lack of health insurance, and placing immediate survival needs before long term health care. Services offered at a harm reduction center may help transcend some of these barriers. The response of LESHRC participants to CK is explored qualitatively by examining initial participant responses and outcomes then through an in-depth review of three cases. Program specific factors such as the duration of office visits, a subjective analysis of individual symptoms and an objective analysis of the disposition of each participant will also be provided. The potential benefits of CK with a low income population who have experienced numerous traumas and psychosocial stressors will be discussed. Finally the usefulness of CK in harm reduction centers as a public health intervention will be explored.

Word count: 245

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to

• Recognize the need for and benefits of chiropractic/kinesiology interventions with a drug using population
• Describe a plan for implementing chiropractic/kinesiology in a harm reduction center

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation