Vulnerable Populations

This webinar will highlight the unique challenges faced by tribal communities in securing safe and secure housing and SUD. The presenters will also discuss how AI/AN communities experience homelessness in relation to the rest of the country

The first part of this presentation examined and presented medical/physiological aspects of SUD and an overview of the impact of SUD on a small but vulnerable population. Dr. Parker then provided an overview of recent substance abuse prevention and intervention applications within American Indian and Alaska Native communities. She described the trends regarding opioid overdose among American Indian and Alaska Native communities during the global pandemic and discussed opportunities for addressing opioid overdose prevention in the future.

The opioid epidemic is a result of a complex system of varied and interrelated factors. This webinar will introduce a systems thinking approach and tools to address complex public health challenges. The webinar will provide an overview of systems tools and describe opportunities to develop systems further thinking capacity for application to grantees’ local opioid response.

This webinar provided the foundational information necessary to plan and implement effective anti-stigma strategies. We defined stigma and internalized stigma and their impact on vulnerable populations—drug policy, public perception, healthcare access. We then explored relevant resources, helpful tools, and connect with national organizations doing work in this space.