Cross-Training Connections -- Will It Work For Me?

Will Cross-Training Work For Me?

CLOSE YOUR EYES! Think of the clients for whom you provide services.

Maybe you are picturing a Latina woman who is HIV positive and is cross-addicted. She has told you that she has trouble keeping up with all of the appointments she has with all of the different agencies involved in her care.
Maybe you are picturing a young African American man with whom you work, who is HIV positive and has just discovered that he has hepatitis C. He recently stated that he was interested in getting treatment for his addiction, but you were not sure who to call.

As we move into the 21st century, you may be noticing the increasingly diverse faces, cultures, and disciplines of both your clients and colleagues. So now please consider the following questions and check off the boxes that apply to you:

Are you concerned about the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on racial and ethnic minority populations and on women and children?

Do you have an interest in learning skills for working together with providers from other disciplines more effectively, in a learning environment that supports sharing of various areas of expertise and outlooks, builds on existing relationships, and helps to develop new ones?

Do you wish you knew of methods to reach other providers so they would consider ways to effectively address the issue of services for individuals dealing with substance abuse and infectious disease?

Do you wish you knew where you could get guidance in tailoring services and programs?

Are you interested in learning about the latest trends and challenges pertaining to substance abuse and infectious disease services?

Would you like to improve your skills at facilitating collaboration in your work team?

If you have checked any of these items, the Cross-Training Initiative may have something to offer you and your colleagues.