Panel Presentation 3C: From Stigma to Solutions: Advancing Equity and Inclusivity in SUD Treatment

Two recent national studies conducted by researchers at Montclair State University in collaboration with NAATP FoRSE shed light on how inequities in health outcomes by gender, race, and sexual identity manifest within the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment workforce and organizations. One study of treatment practitioners found relatively low levels of homonegativity but significantly higher levels of binegativity and transnegativity, with stigma linked to various demographic and socio-political correlates. A second study of organizational employees revealed that female and BIPOC staff reported significantly lower perceptions of their organizations’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) compared to male and White colleagues. Together, these studies highlight the persistence of individual-level stigma and organizational-level gaps in DEI, reinforcing the importance of workforce training, culturally responsive care, and equity-centered organizational practices.

Building on these findings, Dr. Gabrielle Jones, CEO of NAATP Affiliate Member Steady LLC, will present her work advancing equity in addiction treatment and offer practical, systems-level solutions to the challenges identified in the research. She will describe CRST (Culturally Responsive Substance Use Treatment), a systems-rooted framework designed to strengthen cultural responsiveness across organizational practice, workforce development, and direct care.