Alane Celeste-Villalvir

Examines the intersectional impact of disability and immigration on the health of immigrants with spinal cord injury (SCI), and addresses the lack of literature on Latinx immigrants with SCI. Findings support the need for public health and immigration policies to promote inclusion and equitable access to services as well as improve the health and quality of life of immigrants.

Explores the feasibility, acceptability, and implementation barriers of ProMeSA: An urban gardens and peer nutritional counseling pilot intervention for people with HIV in the Dominican Republic. Findings show that the intervention was feasible and well-received, though addressing issues of transportation, pests and space is necessary for equitable participation and benefit.

Explores HIV-related stigma and its impact on health, focusing on gender differences in the experiences of stigma and social support in the Dominican Republic. Findings suggest that gender-specific approaches are needed to address the distinct impacts of HIV-related stigma on men and women's physical and mental health.

Investigates the relationship between homelessness, synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use, and readiness to quit among individuals residing in homeless encampments in Houston, Texas. Findings suggest a need for harm reduction strategies focused on reducing barriers to quitting SC use and improving access to housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness and using SCs.

Investigates the barriers and facilitators to hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening from the perspective of individuals experiencing homelessness within a non-residential social service setting. Findings suggest that community-based HCV screening programs should consider client-centered strategies, such as reducing wait times and offering incentives, to enhance screening accessibility for this high-risk population.

Investigates the organizational challenges and facilitators to hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening of individuals experiencing homelessness as reported by homeless services providers. Findings suggest that community organizations can enhance HCV screening by providing staff training, client education, incentives for participation, and fostering partnerships with clinics and the community to ensure linkage to care and services for this high-risk population.

Assesses the health status and needs of informal workers at truck stops. Findings support the need for comprehensive health promotion programing at truck stops, emphasizing that interventions would need to be multifaceted to address the multiple layers of disenfranchisement and marginalization.