LECOM | SGA

The SOMA Opioid Task Force and Health Disparities will host guest speaker Justise Wattree, a harm reduction researcher at Johns Hopkins University whose work focuses on HIV and HCV prevention among people who use drugs, particularly in rural and other low-resource communities.
During this 60–90 minute presentation, Justise will discuss both the theoretical and practical aspects of harm reduction and public health. Approximately half of the presentation will focus on relevant public health theories and frameworks, while the other half will explore how these concepts are applied in practice through examples from his harm reduction research and field experiences.
If time permits, the presentation will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing students to ask questions about harm reduction, HIV/HCV prevention, public health research, and working with underserved populations.
This collaborative event will provide students with a greater understanding of evidence-based harm reduction strategies and the role of public health in addressing substance use and health disparities in underserved communities.