Connecticut Certification Board
Connecticut Certification Board
Prefatory Remarks on Structural Racism in Drug Policy and SUD Care
Prefatory Remarks on Structural Racism in Drug Policy and SUD Care
Prefatory Remarks on Structural Racism in Drug Policy and SUD Care
Thursday 23rd February 2023
LeRon Barton explores institutional racism's impact on substance abuse care and calls for systemic change in this episode of 'Scope of Practice'.
53 minutes
Thought-provoking
Informative
Empowering
Eye-opening
Raw
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Connecticut Certification Board
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Get the buttons here!LeRon Barton on Institutional Racism in Substance Abuse Care
Until we do those three things, I don't feel like that. And again, this goes back to the crackhead too. And I mean a major change and a major shift, you know, we can talk about.
What happens when systemic racism intersects with substance abuse care? LeRon Barton, an author, artist, and three-time TedX speaker, joins the Connecticut Certification Board on this episode of 'Scope of Practice' to shed light on this critical issue. Barton, drawing from his personal experiences as a Black man, dives into how institutional racism shapes perceptions of law enforcement and impacts access to substance abuse treatment.
He explains how many white Americans see police as protectors, while Black Americans often view them as threats. This difference in perspective underscores broader societal inequities that Barton explores in depth. Barton also tackles the economic barriers faced by Black communities, particularly the lack of generational wealth that hinders access to private care. He traces the history of American drug policy, highlighting how substances like cocaine were funneled into Black neighborhoods, leading to mass incarceration.
In contrast, he points out the differing media portrayals and policy responses to the opioid crisis versus the crack epidemic, illustrating the racial biases at play. Throughout the episode, Barton emphasizes the importance of education and breaking down barriers to treatment. He argues for viewing addicts not as failures but as individuals in need of support. The struggle to access treatment, he notes, is often more challenging than the struggle to survive on the streets.
Barton’s insights call for a shift in how society approaches substance abuse care, advocating for systemic changes and increased awareness. This episode is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to educate themselves and engage in efforts to dismantle institutional racism within substance abuse care. If you're looking for a thought-provoking discussion that blends personal anecdotes with broader social analysis, this conversation with LeRon Barton is a must-listen.