Considerations for Achieving Health Equity Through Substance Misuse Prevention

Abstract

Disparities in health care access and quality of care like affordability and the lack of a properly trained workforce are associated with a greater risk for substance misuse. In pursuing health equity, the behavioral health workforce must ensure interventions are accessible and meaningful to all populations and allocate resources to those with the highest burden of substance use-related consequences. Behavioral health clinicians can support efforts to achieve equity by engaging with upstream, community-level prevention efforts aimed at providing culturally responsive prevention services. Coordination across the continuum of care that includes cultural humility, trauma-informed approaches, diverse perspectives, and community engagement can lead to more equitable and accessible care. This article describes health equity in the context of substance misuse prevention, considers health equity across the continuum of behavioral health services, and provides an overview of promising practices that align clinical care with prevention work to promote healthy, equitable community conditions.

Keywords: Behavioral Health; Culture Competence; Disparities in Care; Health Equity; Prevention; Trauma-Informed.