Race and Place: Impacts of Racial Inequality on Substance Use and HIV Outcomes in Los Angeles

Grant: 1R01DA061345-01

Overview: This project explores how historical and structural racism continues to shape HIV and
substance use outcomes among Black and Latinx sexual minority men in Los Angeles.
Focusing on geographical and systemic barriers, the study examines the challenges these
communities face in accessing culturally responsive healthcare, including limited availability of
care facilities, transportation difficulties, and a lack of racial congruence in care staff. To address
these disparities, the study will implement peer case managers with culturally aligned
backgrounds to help reduce obstacles to care, enhancing access to HIV and substance use
treatment. Partnering with the Los Angeles LGBT Center and UCLA, this initiative aims to inform
more equitable healthcare delivery models that improve health outcomes for racial minority
populations in vulnerable communities.