Posted by: Joey Garcia April 18, 2024 | 6 minutes read |
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Article summary
- The Miller School's Adolescent Medicine Program hosted an international public health delegation from Global Tides Miami.
- The event included educational sessions on public health challenges such as HIV, the opioid crisis, and advocacy.
- Global Tides representatives noted that changing legal instruments is difficult but often effective.
Experts from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Adolescent Medicine Program provided educational sessions focused on HIV, the opioid crisis, and patient advocacy to a 16-person delegation from Global Tides Miami.
The event was part of the delegation's initiative “Fentanyl and other global public health challenges.” Delegates represent countries such as Egypt, Japan, and Iceland. Many are CEOs, health leaders, and physicians who are exploring public-private partnerships to learn more about public health and infectious disease policy.
Clinical Program Manager Alex Moreno MPH said, “It is always an honor when our clinic is chosen for these activities,” adding, “This is the third event we have hosted and we are excited to make new connections. It's great to be able to share the important work we're doing.” to our international counterparts. ”
Tackling HIV infection rates and sexually transmitted infection rates among young people
Gretchen Santiago, Senior Clinical Program Coordinator, opened the session by explaining how the Adolescent Health Program supports Miami's youth population, which has the highest HIV burden in the city.
The program provides a safe space for conversations about youth counseling and testing services related to sexual medicine and related infectious disease reduction for ages 13 to 29.
A one-stop shop for care, providing nutritional, physical and educational services. The Promote to Prevent (p2p) program provides education on HIV and sexually transmitted disease screening and aggressive treatment plans, and all information is kept confidential.
“We are here for the youth,” Santiago said. “We want them to know there is a place to go that is full of understanding and acceptance.” It's about achieving a goal.”
Much of the program's success is due to its transition support model. Adolescents receive treatment for sexually transmitted infections and HIV in facilities specifically for adolescent patients. When they turn 22, they stay in the same facility while being referred by an adult doctor and gradually transition to adult care. When you turn 24, you move to an adult clinic.
Tackling the fentanyl crisis
Fentanyl overdose claimed 107,000 lives in the United States in 2022. MS Thomas Guerra founded his F-Fentanyl in response to this crisis.
“We meet people where they are and provide education and resources,” Guerra said. “It was great to be able to share what’s going on with this crisis and hear participants’ perspectives on best practices.”
Guerra spoke about how the opioid crisis has affected many of his friends and shared his own side of the struggle with addiction. The training he provides sheds light on the effects of fentanyl, provides tools for recovery, and introduces you to the many harm reduction programs F.Fentanyl is affiliated with, including IDEA Exchange at the Miller School.
Fostering conversations for change
As the session progressed, participants expressed their concerns and pointed out best practices they would like to see implemented in their countries. Common international challenges include funding, building community partnerships, and patient privacy.
“This is especially about the provision of direct services in mobile clinics here in Ukraine,” said Anna Korobchuk, project manager at the Ukrainian Public Health Union. “I really appreciated the presentation on HIV and the focus on serving youth in a systematic way with the many prevention methods available here in Miami.”
Moreno cited a Florida law that prohibits providers from testing minors for HIV and notifying parents of the results. While these laws create a safer care environment for youth, Moreno emphasized that passing the bills could be an uphill battle, but a necessary one.
“The most interesting thing was the conversation surrounding the bill,” said Adel Ahmed Said, CEO of Egypt's Al Masr Hospital/Foundation. “Ultimately, ideas for improving health outcomes can be realized with government support. Also, health systems need to rely more on social and qualitative research in addition to quantitative research. I was convinced that there was.”
tag: Children and Youth Health Division, Public Health Division
