title: Development of a "survival" guide for substance users in Harlem, New York City.
abstract: The community advisory board (CAB) of the Harlem Urban Research Center, which includes community service providers, Department of Health workers, and academics, identified substance users' health as an action priority. The CAB initiated the development of a wellness guide to provide informational support for substance users to improve access to community services. Focus groups of current and former users engaged substance users in the guide development process and determined the guide's content and "look." Focus group participants recommended calling this a "survival" guide. The guide will include three sections: (a) health information and how to navigate the system to obtain services, (b) a reference list of community services, and (c) relevant "hotline" numbers. The design will incorporate local street art. Substance users continue to shape the guide through ongoing art workshops. Dissemination and evaluation of the guide will continue to involve substance users, community service providers, and academics.
authors.affiliation: Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, New York 10029-5293, USA. sfactor@nyam.org
authors.forename: Stephanie H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Factor
authors.forename: Sandro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Galea
authors.forename: Lucia Garcia
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: de Duenas Geli
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saynisch
authors.forename: Suzannah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blumenthal
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Canales
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Poulson
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vlahov
mesh_terms: D003153:Community Health Services; D017144:Focus Groups; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008389:Marketing of Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D009519:New York City; D010174:Pamphlets; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013664:Teaching Materials