MyHomeIncfinal

S ophia Thompson is Ramsey County’s disorders within the Black community are not always most effective. In this Q&A dialogue, Thompson highlights alternative forms of treatment that are grounded in the culture of this minority group and how formalized sys- tems can adjust to meet these needs. Where do you believe current methods of treatment fall short when serving the Black community? When a person comes into the formalized system, the solution typically is some type of treatment. But there continues to be a stig- ma in the Black community around accepting treatment. Some of what we see within man- dated services is that sending someone to get treatment is the only way to track if they are doing well in their recovery. But it’s proven not to be the most effective way to track if a person is doing well. mental health and adult support direc- tor. She believes traditional methods of treating substance use and mental health

”PEOPLE NEED TO FEEL-YOU WANT TO MEET THEMWHERE THEY ARE.” - Sophia Thompson One of the things we’re getting better at is talking to service recipients and asking the community what their experience has been and what has and hasn’t worked for them. In that, we’re learning more about the dispari- ties that exist. We’ve heard that clients want providers who reflect backgrounds similar to theirs. The community wants to feel that when they come into a treatment location they not only see a representation of themselves, they also feel comfortable because the environ- ment reflects one that they are familiar with. My Home Inc. is one of the few places that has that feel when you walk in. What are factors you believe are specific to people of the Black community that affect the quality of their treatment? I think there is a distrust of systems. There is often an association of systems with the government and with oppression. That’s because of so many events that have hap- pened throughout history, and that’s the case with many minority groups. In order to assure someone you’re there to help them, they need to know you’re not associated with that. You have to see them on a human level, get to know them and spend time with them. It may take a while for them to realize that. How can service providers begin to address these barriers?

But if I can meet them at the park or near their house and we can talk, that allows them to be more open because I’m meeting them where they’re most comfortable. It starts with engagement. They need to feel you want to meet them where they are. What role does the diversity of a treatment center’s staff play in a client’s recovery? It’s not just about having a diverse staff. It’s about having a diverse board and leadership that understands. Staffing is one component, but it really starts at the top where powerful decisions are made. It’s about the policies that are being written and grants that are being sought after. That’s how we’re really able to get at the systemic challenges that get in the way of someone completing a program and being successful in their treatment. If lead- ership does not reflect the community, then there’s a disservice to our clients.

A LENS FOR TREATMENT IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

From your experience of working with African American clients, where do treatment providers as a whole need to pivot their attention when serving this community? We really do have to look at alternatives to traditional treat- ment. In practice, we call it person-centered treatment. I think that’s great. But we have to think about the cultural aspect as well, whether that is cultural healing or gathering and eating together. The community has shown us where they go for their healing. Sometimes it’s churches or barbershops. Those places aren’t always recognized as forms of healing and sup- port. But when we think about how we transition to support- ing our African American community, we have to think about how we do that in non-traditional ways. How do you think cultural healing can be merged into treatment? The way you merge it is through engagement in the com- munity. Sometimes our assessments can get in the way of a person wanting to receive the treatment they need. They might not want to sit down and do a 40-minute assessment. Healing:

Cultural