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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Dionne J. Jones, PhD, Division of Epidemiology, Services & Prevention Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 5185, MSC 9589, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-402-1984, djones1@nida.nih.gov and Lula Beatty, PhD, Special Populations Office, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6001 Executive Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20892.

This symposium will present research that addresses the topic of Health and Human Rights of the Incarcerated. The research presented was sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The presenters will illustrate the interrelationship among drugs, HIV and incarceration of African Americans and discuss some human rights issues. The first presentation will highlight NIDA-funded research that addresses the triad of drugs, HIV and incarceration of African Americans. Strengths and weaknesses of current research will be reviewed, and research needs will be identified. A major cause for concern is that the justice system has become a major health care provider for drug dependence and HIV treatment. Research opportunities to support the development of students and researchers from underrepresented groups will also be shared. The second presentation will discuss the neurological basis of addiction and its impact on therapy. It will illustrate that the decrease in brain plasticity during young adulthood may have implications for the development of addiction or recovery from addiction. The third presentation will highlight a number of interventions that have been developed for and implemented with vulnerable populations, including previous or currently incarcerated persons, crack using women, and sex workers. It will be shown that strategies that are specifically tailored for women are effective in empowering them to reduce or stop their drug use and criminal involvement.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the relationship among drug use, HIV/AIDS and criminal justice involvement in African Americans.
• Identify ways to improve drug abuse and HIV treatment and services for African Americans in criminal justice settings.
• Discuss the factors influencing the effectiveness of drug abuse and HIV prevention interventions with African Americans.

Keywords: African American, Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No