24. Power in Partnerships: Understanding Intersectional Stigma among Individuals with Substance Use Disorder Who Engage in Transactional Sex Work
24.
Megan McPhail, BS; Kelly Robinson, BS; Noemi Santiago, A.S
Stigma is one of the most common factors that impede one's desire to connect to services for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing or engaging in care for substance use disorder (SUD), HIV, and or HCV. Additionally, people with SUD are three times more likely to be diagnosed with an STI. Monroe County has identified that this particular population not only encounters a great deal of stigma and judgment but also has a variety of syndemics that contribute to overwhelming concerns related to addiction and exposure to STIs. This poster addresses the barriers that continue to affect this particular population and supports decreasing and removing these barriers to accessing care through intertwining the work and partnerships between the STI and Addiction Services departments in Monroe County. This collaboration will use our existing resources which include our mobile health van, offer free comprehensive testing and treatment for STIs, and further support clients’ concerns related to mental health and substance use. This effort will allow us to educate this population on their overall risks, the importance of STI testing, PrEP, PEP, naloxone training, and awareness of available community services. This partnership further allows us to bring unique and tailored efforts to each individual who utilizes our services.