RTI Presentations
Late Breaking Abstract Presentation Session 1: Perceived Impacts of COVID-19 on Substance Use Among People with HIV/AIDS: Perspectives of HIV/AIDS Service Organizations Across the United States
June 22, 3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Bryan Garner, PhD, and Brittany Zulkiewicz
Given the major societal disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying stressors, concerns are growing that the pandemic is increasing substance use, particularly among individuals with chronic conditions, such as HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to describe the perceived impacts of COVID-19 on substance use among clients served by HIV/AIDS service organizations (HSOs) in the United States and whether those impacts also increase the need for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment integration in these organizations.
Oral Communications I: Vaccines to Counteract Illicit Use and Prevent Fatal Overdose of Fentanyl and Its Analogs
June 22, 3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Scott Runyon, PhD
North America and Europe have seen dramatic increases in fatal overdoses due to the widespread illicit use of drug mixtures containing fentanyl and fentanyl-like analogs. To address this public health treat, our team is currently developing vaccines to reduce and prevent toxicity from deliberate and accidental exposure to fentanyl and its derivatives.
Oral Communications III: DNA Methylation Mediates the Effect of Cocaine Use on HIV Disease Severity Among HIV-Positive Patients
June 24, 3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Dana Hancock, PhD, and Eric Johnson, PhD
Cocaine use accelerates HIV progression and worsens HIV outcomes. However, the mechanism is largely unknown. We aim to test whether DNA methylation in blood mediates the association between cocaine use and HIV disease severity in a veteran population (N=1,463).
Workshop: 26th Annual Contingency Management Working Group: Implementing Contingency Management Within Opioid Treatment Programs: Preliminary Findings from a Type 3 Hybrid Trial
June 24, 5:00 PM–5:55 PM
Bryan Garner, PhD