Bianca Mayes
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Garden State Equality
Bianca Chanel Mayes is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) for the health and wellness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. Bianca’s career has been centered around general healthcare for vulnerable populations. Prior to joining Garden State Equality in November 2017, Bianca served as a Health Educator and Research Associate for the Community Education and Population Health Department respectively at Atlantic Health System. As a Health Educator she planned, implemented, directed, maintained, and evaluated community health and wellness programs including health education, healthy eating, and physical activity. A graduate of Montclair State University, Bianca holds a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education.
WORKSHOP
Substance Use and Its' Affects on the LGBTQIA+ Community
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual or allied (LGBTQIA+) communities are reported to have higher incidences of substance misuse. This workshop will explore the modern meaning of the LGBTQIA+ population and assist peer recovery support specialists in understanding the risk factors related to the increased prevalence for substance use disorders and dependence in the LGBTQIA+ community.