Services are provided to substance abusing Haitians who may or may not have HIV, or who have yet to be tested for the HIV virus. This component of the program provides culturally proficient counseling to consumers on an individual and group basis on issues related to substance abuse. Staff provide psychosocial counseling and support for Haitian substance abusers and their families, and work with them in addressing relapse prevention. This component is particularly critical within a community where the link between addiction and HIV are rarely addressed in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner, oftentimes creating tremendous barriers to individuals and families seeking services.
Staff also provide education to families of substance abusers.
Staff provide education to non-Haitian providers on the cultural perceptions and nuances related to substance abuse so that they can better serve the Haitian consumer. Staff also develop radio and television projects with the local Haitian media to outreach to the community in their native language of Haitian Creole.