Challenges in recruiting and training drug treatment patients as peer outreach workers: A perspective from the field

Rosa M. Colón, Sherry Deren, Honoria Guarino, Milton Mino, Sung Yeon Kang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Hispanic patients were recruited from methadone maintenance treatment programs in 2005-2008 to be trained as peer outreach workers, targeting migrant drug users from Puerto Rico. Goals of the outreach focused on reducing HIV-related risk behaviors. A total of 80 peers were recruited from 4 clinics in New York and New Jersey. Following training, they conducted outreach in their communities for 12 weeks. This paper describes the challenges encountered during the recruitment, training, and outreach phases of the project, from the field perspective. Recommendations for future efforts in training drug treatment patients as outreach workers are provided.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1892-1908
Number of pages17
JournalSubstance Use and Misuse
Volume45
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010

Keywords

  • Cultural mediators
  • Drug treatment patients
  • HIV prevention
  • Peer outreach workers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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