This event will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish.
In 2024, approximately 771,000 persons experienced homelessness on a single night (HUD, 2024). This is an alarming number. There is an identified link between substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUD) and homelessness where each one can be the cause or result of the other. Safe and stable housing has been identified as a facilitator for recovery. Although housing is not the sole predictor of successful recovery, housing has been associated with less frequent Emergency Department (ED) visits, decreased stress and increased overall stability. Among Latinos, recovery housing efforts should consider particular cultural variables. Efforts should consider the integration of cultural characteristics and language access into housing policies. This webinar will address the relationship between substance misuse and homelessness among Latino populations. The webinar will discuss best practices to incorporate cultural considerations in recovery housing policies.
Learning Objectives:
1. Address the current state of substance misuse and homelessness among Latino populations.
2. Identify possible challenges integrating cultural elements into recovery housing policies.
3. Discuss best practices for recovery housing among Latino communities.
Guest Speaker: Haner Hernández, PhD, CPS, CADCII, LADCI
Dr. Hernández is from Borikén (Puerto Rico), fluent in Spanish and English, lives in Massachusetts, and has over 39 years of experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating Substance Use Disorder, Mental Health, HIV/AIDS, HCV, Problem Gambling, and related services. As a public health professional, with experience across the continuum, he embraces and promotes a greater understanding of the multiple strategies over multiple domains and multiple pathways of wellness and recovery.
Dr. Hernandez also believes that quality public health work cannot be accomplished without true partnerships and engagement with people with lived and living experiences, their families, and formal and meaningful relationships with community-based organizations and institutions.
Dr. Hernandez earned a PhD in Public Health at the University of Massachusetts, Amhurst and holds a GED (high school equivalent), which he earned in prison. As a person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder, Haner is also deeply committed to uplifting the voices and experiences of people in wellness and recovery processes.