Providing Community Services for Injection Drug Users in Harlem

Columbia University: Harlem Health Promotion Center

Topics:
Community Health

Researchers examined how social factors affect drug use among residents in East and Central Harlem. Surveys were completed by about 400 residents who use injection drugs and by health care providers, community service agencies, and city policymakers. The surveys identified the level of social support, social cohesion, and social services available to residents. Researchers found that the community lacked resources to find housing and after-treatment care programs for residents who completed drug treatment, and to help families learn about the problems and consequences associated with drug use. As a result, researchers are working with policymakers to improve the delivery of health and social services and are developing a survival guide for residents. The guide will contain information about the health risks of drug use and where to find helpful community services. A resource guide developed for service providers lists local agencies that address individuals’ needs, such as health care, job training, domestic violence, housing, drug treatment, pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS. The resource guide is available in print form and is being formatted for the Internet to enable providers to search on multiple criteria.

 

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