Numerous chronic diseases are associated with substance use, including cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and circulatory diseases, psychiatric disorders, and digestive disease. In the U.S., disparities in chronic diseases persist as a major public health issue. In many types of cancer, for example, mortality is highest among African Americans than all other racial and ethnic groups. For example, African American women are more likely to die of breast cancer than European American women. African Americans are also more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and die from prostate and stomach cancers. Latinx and American Indian/Alaskan Native women have greater incidence of cervical cancer, and African American women have the highest mortality from cervical cancer. Likewise, disparities in cardiovascular disease include a higher incidence of heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction among African American adults.

 

Substance use is a significant public health issue; however, population-based estimates of problematic alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use to mask the disparities in use — and their health consequences — among societal groups experiencing marginalization, discrimination, and systemic racism that limits the achievement of health equity. Addressing substance use disparities is a critical step in reducing the disproportionate burden of associated diseases in disadvantaged communities; moreover, enhancing diversity in the workforce through ATOD training programs is a necessary strategy to make significant progress toward this goal.

 

The HEALTH–FAST Program is a targeted initiative to train talented Postdoctoral Fellows, Early Stage Investigators, and Doctoral Scholars with the ultimate goal of recruiting and retaining a strong ATOD research workforce that can mitigate ATOD use and the chronic health conditions that result. We are particularly focused on training scholars who are from low-income households, low-resourced communities, or are first-generation college graduates, as having a diverse workforce in scientific research widens perspectives to promote scientific creativity and innovation, increases the likelihood of underserved populations participating in and benefiting from health-focused research, and enhances public trust.