Erick Guerrero

By Erick G. Guerrero and Tenie Khachikian

Improving the effectiveness of the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment requires leadership approaches that have an impact on the effectiveness of drug treatment. To promote this positive system change, we define leadership beyond leaders’ characteristics. We consider leadership as a developmental competency among individuals, as well as the relational role of followers and the enabling context of organizational climate which together create a system of influence. Using this developing framework, we discuss how the foundations of certain leadership styles, like transformational leadership can be enacted by program leaders to improve the human and program resources necessary to deliver culturally responsive and evidence-based treatment for some of the most vulnerable groups struggling with SUDs. Building on their transformational and implementation competencies, program leaders can promote organizational climates and program and financial approaches to deliver effective care to some of the most vulnerable populations. We provide a case study to stimulate discussion on how leadership can trickle down to staff to improve care for vulnerable clients.

Part of the book: Effective Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders for Racial and Ethnic Minorities

By Jemima A. Frimpong and Erick G. Guerrero

Managers of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment organizations face significant challenges to improve treatment effectiveness. The field has paid significant attention to the delivery of pharmacological and psychosocial treatment interventions, and the effectiveness of these interventions, with little consideration for the role of management practices that enhance the delivery of such evidence-based practices (EBPs). This chapter describes evidence-based management practices (EBMPs) that may support the effective and consistent delivery of EBPs in SUD treatment. Drawing from a socio-technical and cultural framework, we propose a management approach that relies on policies, human resources, and culturally responsive practices to directly and or indirectly facilitate the delivery of EBPs. In particular, this chapter describes EBMPs that could be widely implemented to respond to the cultural, linguistic, and service needs of racial and ethnic minority groups. We discuss implications for funding and support of management training to improve standards of care and include a case example to promote reflection.

Part of the book: Effective Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders for Racial and Ethnic Minorities

By Erick G. Guerrero and Tenie Khachikian

Part of the book: Effective Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders for Racial and Ethnic Minorities

By Erick Guerrero, Jemima A. Frimpong, Angelique Hearn, Veronica Serret, Welmoed K. van Deen, Howard Padwa, Rebecca Trotzky-Sirr, Michael Menchine and Daniel L. Howard

This study responds to the gap in knowledge in translating team members’ interdisciplinary knowledge to address wicked problems. We use qualitative methodology to understand the team-building process and response to the opioid epidemic in emergency care. We collected data through direct observation of nine health system science researchers and thought leaders as they performed in team-building activities and semi-structured interviews. The cultural exchange framework informed our selection and assessment of team-building activities, and the science of team science (SciTS) framework informed our understanding of promoting interdisciplinary collaborations. We identified six themes representing three areas: (1) Knowledge Building and Strategy Development (need for interdisciplinary understanding of substance abuse and mental health in the emergency department (ED); interdisciplinary approaches to fight the opioid epidemic in the ED); (2) Team Demographics and Collaboration (prescribing and collaboration; the role of interdisciplinary team composition and effectiveness in the ED); and (3) Identity and Relationship Building (role of professional identity in contributing to interdisciplinary research; building effective organizational relationships in the ED). Members’ personal and professional connections are fundamental for developing nuanced interdisciplinary strategies to respond to the opioid epidemic in the ED. We discuss implications for strategies that promote team building and improve treatment practices.

Part of the book: Science-Based Approaches to Respond to COVID and Other Public Health Threats

By Erick Guerrero, Tenie Khachikian, Richard C. Cervantes, Charles Kaplan, Rene D. Olate and Jennifer B. Unger

Disparities in substance use disorders (SUD) and access to treatment among individuals identified as Latino/Hispanic have become a significant public health issue in the United States. National efforts to identify, understand, and eliminate such disparities have highlighted the role of structural racism in Latino health. In this chapter, we offer a critical review of how Latino substance use and access to care may be impacted by discrimination, acculturation stress, and other mechanisms of structural racism. As structural racism is represented by policies, systems, structures, and norms that deny and/or minimize cultural strengths and disempower culturally diverse groups and their attempts to invest in their wellness, we highlight how cultural competence may reduce the risk of SUD and may enhance access to treatment among Latinos. We conclude by highlighting policies and responsive organizational practices that may improve Latino health.

Part of the book: Effective Elimination of Structural Racism