NOVEMBER 11, 2020 — UTSA researcher Manuel Cano, an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work in the College for Health, Community and Policy, is shedding light to understand the topic of drug overdose deaths in the Hispanic community.
In his article published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse, Cano used national death certificate data (data recording all deaths of U.S. residents) to examine drug overdose mortality in different Hispanic subgroups, based on heritage, place of birth and gender.
“In the context of the current opioid crisis, drug overdose in the media is often presented as a problem affecting white individuals,” Cano said. “However, this tragedy affects all racial/ethnic groups, and no racial/ethnic group should be overlooked or left behind in the national response. Opioids are killing a lot of people, but so are other drugs affecting different groups. There is substantial variation considering race and ethnicity.”
The national data on drug overdose mortality show lower rates of drug overdose deaths in Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites or Blacks. However, the study revealed people of Puerto Rican heritage have a higher rate of drug overdose mortality compared to non-Hispanic whites or Blacks.
Among those of Puerto Rican heritage, those born in Puerto Rico—many of whom may speak Spanish as a first language—were overrepresented in drug overdose deaths, suggesting that culturally tailored and accessible services in Spanish are necessary for this group. In contrast, the majority of individuals of Mexican heritage who died of drug overdose were born in the United States.
“The more we understand which subgroups are most affected, the more we can provide culturally appropriate services that better address their needs. Drug overdose is preventable,” Cano added.
Cano concluded, “Hispanic cultures have many rich cultural values and strengths that can be protective factors against overdose—for example, the value of the family and respect.”
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Archaeology 201 will briefly go over the foundations of archaeology and related skills, followed by a different topic over the course of this week (like skeletal analysis, global cultures, and more).
Center for Archaeological Research, UTSA Main CampusCraft a comic to create your own narrative and find your voice through storytelling. Participants will learn to create characters that are self-reflective and through a community lens.
REGSS Community Room (DB 3.202,) UTSA Downtown CampusJoin the Student Involvement Center and the Whataburger Resource Room (Food-Pantry) for a service project! Help us prepare for the Roadrunner Days Move-In Market on Thursday, July 25 from 11 AM - 2 PM by assisting us with the following volunteer needs. We are preparing for UTSA's largest garage sale, but everything is free for our students!
BK Lot 5 Building (Next to Campus Garden), Main CampusCome enjoy a discussion on art as a self expression in the age of moving technology and telling your story with a community.
REGSS Community Room (DB 3.202,) UTSA Downtown CampusThe UTSA Veteran and Military Office will be holding a social event for our new military-affiliated students to come out and meet our office, staff, and other students.
MB 0.100, Ground Floor Lobby, Main BuildingThe Student Union invites you to join us for Kickback at the Union, a fun event designed to get you acquainted with all of the services available in the Student Union!
Student UnionInterested in learning more about the different fraternities and sororities in the Multicultural Greek Council? Come meet our organizations and enjoy free food and music.
Retama Galleria (SU 2.02,) Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
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UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
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