Each quarter, the Drug Policy Alliance's Office of Academic Engagement teams up with Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR) and New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to provide advocates, providers, and researchers with a brief about the latest epidemiology and drug trends in the City.
In the early 2000s, crystal meth use and its association with HIV transmission, particularly among gay men during sex, was an emergent health concern in NYC prompting action among activists, health professionals, and city government. This presentation will provide an overview of this early history, as well as recent data on prevalence of meth use, overdose mortality, and the presence of fentanyl in the meth supply. Additionally, qualitative findings from interviews with employees from government agencies and community-based organizations working with people who use crystal meth will be shared. Findings suggest that stimulant-related public health research and interventions in New York City should address dynamics of sexualized drug use among LGBTQ+ communities.
Presenter: Jorge Ochoa, former research assistant at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
This event is brought to you by the Drug Policy Alliance, CDUHR, and NYU College of Global Public Health.