Opioid use in the United States is skyrocketing. Overdose deaths have increased 433% in

the last decade and will continue climbing. In addition to the mortality caused by illicit

opioid misuse, morbidity rates have also risen. People Who Inject Drugs (PWID)

demonstrate higher rates of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C Virus

(HCV), Endocarditis, Persistent Abscesses, Staphylococcus Aureus (S. aureus, Staph)

and other skin infections. This thesis serves as (1) a systematic review of the differences

in health conditions experienced by PWID and (2) an examination of the trends in skin

and soft tissue infection from a small sample in Phoenix, Arizona. The author argues that

PWID suffer from an increased rate of comorbid conditions associated with substance

use. Targeted social work interventions could be useful in reducing the rates of disease

and their impact on the individual and community.

This research study was performed to demonstrate the need for more evidence-based, sexual promotion programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) youth. A qualitative study was conducted due to the lack of evidence among the younger LGBT+ demographic regarding contributing factors that lead to engagement in risky sexual behaviors. Data was collected through a formal focus group with adolescent members of the one.n.ten program in Phoenix, Arizona. An inductive coding technique was used to analyze the data, and significant statements from participants regarding experiences in the context of family, religion, school, and previous sexual health programs were included in the results. This paper will provide a review of literature about the growing LGBT+ community, increasing HIV incidence rates among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), strategies to reduce HIV rate, and the role of parents as sexual educators during and after their child's coming out process. It will also discuss the importance of positive parent-child relationships and the need for family-based sexual education programs.

This exploratory quantitative study examined the risks and needs expressed by gender/sexual minority emerging adults in Phoenix, Arizona. Differences in experiences and perceived service needs between gender minorities and cisgender sexual minority emerging adults were also identified. Respondents (N=102) completed a 78-item questionnaire in March and April of 2015. Individuals reported high rates of risk factors and physical needs, with those individuals who were both gender and ethnic minorities more likely to report having a perceived service need than their cisgender white counterparts. In addition, the study found significant positive correlations between housing factors (i.e., having experienced homelessness, ever/currently being in foster care, not having a safe/stable living situation) and other risk factors and needs. Risk factors were also correlated with wishing for a different gender identity or sexual orientation. With the majority of the respondents reporting a service need, implications include the need for culturally competent and accessible services, as well as services that continue to build on the protective factors of having an accepting family, friend group, and a sense of belonging to a community.