Updated regularly, this newly created resource page curated by NAATP is to guide and educate our members and the industry at large about best practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity along with social determinants in healthcare.
The Chauvin Verdict and the Need for Equity in Addiction Treatment
Apr 23, 2021 - Last summer, a tragic series of deaths, culminating in the gruesome killing of George Floyd, spurred global protests and an overdue reckoning within our country and our addiction treatment community. Nearly a year later, NAATP believes the guilty verdicts in the Chauvin trial were rightfully reached and offer some measure of accountability for the tragic murder of George Floyd. We wish for peace and healing for his family and loved ones. Read More >
NAATP DEI Advisory Committee
October 30, 2020 – In August of 2020, the first meeting of NAATP’s Advisory Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity was held to discuss the impact of systemic racism and other forms of discrimination on addiction treatment and recovery. Thirteen behavioral health leaders, researchers, and clinicians from organizations across the country participated. The group was asked, “If you could implement one change right away to improve our field with respect to increasing treatment access and improving outcomes, what would it be?” The responses to that question identified three themes:
- Lack of diversity within the workforce and leadership in addiction treatment
- Lack of equity in access to care for People of Color and individuals from other historically marginalized communities
- Lack of inclusivity and cultural competency in patient care and workplace environments
The group members identified potential efforts that are currently underway to address each of these areas, including:
- Videos, blogs, and podcasts featuring People of Color discussing their experience and commitment to working in the treatment field
- A training series on addiction healthcare inequity and promoting inclusivity in business and clinical practices
- Mentorship for People of Color who are interested in entering or advancing careers in behavioral health
The DEI Advisory Committee has expanded to 19 members. The group meets regularly to establish measurable goals for each of the above areas.
NAATP Action Plan
In response to the historic and current systemic racism and discrimination that profoundly impact the addiction treatment field, NAATP staff and Board members make the following commitments to action.
Self-Examination
NAATP desires to be a voice for justice and change in our industry. To do this in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusivity, we recognize a need for a process of self-exploration and education of our staff and Board. We are in consultation with experts who have longstanding commitment and contribution to anti-racism efforts. The first step in this plan is self-examination, in which we plan to honestly evaluate our goals as an organization, and the needs within our industry to improve access and outcomes for People of Color and others who have not been well served.
NAATP will re-evaluate our advocacy goals and strategic plan to ensure they consider equity and inclusivity of diverse and marginalized people.
Elevating Voices of People of Color
NAATP will recruit People of Color as Board members and will provide members with webinar content and links to resources for further training on racial diversity, anti-racism, and inclusivity.
Raising Awareness and Transforming the Field
NAATP will implement anti-racism training for our staff and Board members and consider how to incorporate this topic into NAATP National 2021 and other NAATP efforts.
If you have suggestions for NAATP in any of these areas, please email info@naatp.org.
Call to Action
We are collecting and re-posting training, policy, action plans, research, and other pertinent information as a guide for the treatment community at large about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity practices. If your organization has information to share with the membership, please send it to info@naatp.org. We will be updating this resource page periodically.
