Community Based Research on Equity and Substance Use

07/03/2023

In light of the recent Supreme Court decision limiting LGBTQ+ protections and the surge of legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ communities across the US, it's crucial to stay informed. The ACLU has developed a user-friendly database that tracks anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced or recently passed in state legislatures. The website is an incredibly valuable tool in the fight for justice and equity. With education and compassion, we can work to create a brighter future for LGBTQ+ folk everywhere!

In the last few years states have advanced a record number of bills that attack LGBTQ rights, especially transgender youth. The ACLU is tracking these attacks and working with our national network of affiliates to support LGBTQ people everywhere.

06/27/2023

When celebrating Pride, it is essential to listen to and amplify the voices of the trans community. One way to do so is by watching the groundbreaking documentary "Disclosure." This film explores the history and representation of transgender individuals in media, shedding light on how trans representation influences and informs social beliefs and trans realities. Stream "Disclosure" on Netflix, and engage in meaningful and educational conversations this Pride Month! 🏳️‍⚧️⭐️

According to a study from GLAAD, over 80% of Americans don't personally know someone who's transgender. That means most people learn about trans people from ...

06/26/2023

Celebrate Pride Month by supporting some of Pittsburgh's LGBTQ+-owned businesses! Stand proud and shop small!🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/20/2023

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈Celebrate Pride at The People's Pride Parade and Music Festival Sunday, June 25th🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Organized by SisTers PGH, a Black and Trans-led organization serving POC, trans, and nonbinary people in Southwestern PA, the People's Pride PGH will take place in Swissvale and focuses on including "local nonprofits, school districts, unions, and community members who have long been neglected...by other organizations in the area." The celebration will include a march, live music, local vendors, food, and much more!

According to SisTers PGH, this year's festivities are focused on improving housing access in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County for historically marginalized communities, such as Black, brown, and q***r communities.

People's Pride PGH will meet at Noble Street Municipal Lot at 10:00 am on Sunday, June 25th and the march will being at 11:00 am.

For more information on the event, please visit the SisTers PGh website:

2023 - People's Pride Presents Swissvale Pride

06/19/2023

Happy Juneteenth!🎉🎉🎉

Today, we come together to commemorate the pivotal moment in history when enslaved African Americans were finally granted freedom in the United States. It's a time to honor the strength, resilience, and determination of the Black community and serves as a reminder of the progress we have made as a society and the work that still lies ahead.

Let us celebrate by engaging in meaningful conversations, amplifying Black voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, and donating to individuals and organizations fighting for racial equity.

While today is a day of celebration, it is also a day of remembrance and reflection. Society has made strides regarding racial issues. However, systemic racism and racial prejudice persist, and Black people in America continue to face unique struggles and oppression. Take time to reflect not only today but everyday on what you can do individually and what we can do as a society to ensure we are actively working towards building a more equitable and just future for all.

06/09/2023

Research has shown that there are important individual differences in how alcohol can affect people’s physiological arousal, thoughts, decisions, and behaviors. The JAM Study examines how alcohol impacts how people feel and behave inside the laboratory and in their natural environments. Study participants can earn up to $675.

Read more about this study here:

Principal Investigator: Sarah Pedersen, PhD Funding Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

06/08/2023

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈Happy Pride Month on behalf of the CORES team!! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

The research we do at CORES is driven by our passion for promoting equity and justice for individuals with minoritized identities, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Throughout this month, we'll be highlighting stories, resources, events, and research findings that address the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. We'll focus on issues, such as health and health care, substance use, and local and national current events.

Stay tuned as we continue to uplift the voices and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community!

Remember to take care of one another, and honor both the progress made and the struggles faced by the community throughout history.

04/17/2023

Are you between the ages of 21 & 30 and drink alcohol at least weekly? If yes, you might be eligible to participate in a study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh! Study participants can earn up to $675.

Read more about this study here:

Principal Investigator: Sarah Pedersen, PhD Funding Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

04/14/2023

Cannabis is becoming increasingly accessible across the U.S. and attitudes and behaviors are changing as a result. The CREATE Study is currently recruiting young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who identify as African American/Black or European American/White, and who use cannabis at least weekly. Study participants can earn up to $600 for completion of all study activities.

Read more about our study here:

Principal Investigator: Sarah Pedersen, PhD Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse Cannabis is becoming increasingly accessible across the U.S. and attitudes and behaviors are changing as a result. The CREATE study utilizes a community-engaged research approach to examine reasons for using...

04/10/2023

CORES (Community-Based Research on Equity and Substance Use) is a diverse group of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and integrity in our research studies.

Our principal investigator, Dr. Pedersen, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a long-standing interest in providing clinical care to individuals with minoritized identities and examining social and structural drivers of inequities in substance use related problems. Dr. Pedersen is committed to conducting research in populations with minoritized identities to ultimately decrease inequities in alcohol and substance problems.

This page is dedicated to sharing research studies, resources, and important information related to substance use and policy.

04/05/2023

Our lab strives to promote inclusivity and diversity in healthcare and treatment. This guide highlights some inclusive and accessible healthcare providers and resources in Pittsburgh that share a similar mission of culturally competent and informed care.