Chad Justin Valasek

Senior Research Associate in Psychiatry and Urban Studies & Planning, University of California-San Diego

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About Chad

Valasek's research focuses on homelessness, harm reduction, behavioral health, and social determinants of health. Overarching themes in Valasek's writings include the criminalization of race, carceral institutionalization, and the intersection of health and social justice. Valasek serves as a Senior Research & Evaluation Associate at UCSD's School of Medicine and Homelessness Hub, and they engage with San Diego County Behavioral Health Services on community-driven mental health policy projects.

Contributions | No Jargon Podcast | In the News | Publications

Contributions

Disabled People of Color Will Suffer From Criminalization of Homelessness

Commentary, July 2024

In the News

Opinion: "Why Genetic Testing Is a Tool—Not a Solution—to the Opioid Epidemic," Chad Justin Valasek (with Sam Streuli, Cassidy Tomlinson, and Amy Non), The Hill, January 28, 2024.

Publications

"Intersectionality and Structural Drivers of Fatal Overdose Disparities in the United States: a Narrative Review" (with Angela R. Bazzi). Current Addiction Reports 10 (2023): 432–440.

Analyzes how intersecting social factors contribute to overdose disparities in the U.S. Finds that structural inequalities, including race and socioeconomic status, significantly influence overdose mortality rates.

"“A Lotta People Switched Playing Hard Ball to Playing Russian Roulette”: Experiences With Rising Overdose Incidence Caused by Drug Supply Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the San Diego-Tijuana Border Metroplex" (with C.J. Valasek, Samantha A. Streuli, Heather A. Pines, Steffanie A. Strathdee, Annick Borquez, Philippe Bourgois, Tara Stamos-Buesig, Carlos F. Vera, Alicia Harvey-Vera, and Angela R. Bazzi). Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports 7 (2023).

Investigates the impact of drug supply changes during COVID-19 on overdose experiences among users. Finds that altered drug supplies led to increased overdose risks and potential novel harm reduction strategies.

"Long-Acting Injectable Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Preferred Over Other Modalities Among People Who Inject Drugs: Findings from a Qualitative Study in California" (with Angela R Bazzi, Samantha A. Streuli, Carlos F. Vera, Alicia Harvey-Vera, Morgan M. Philbin, Katie B. Biello, Alexis M. Roth, Steffanie A. Strathdee, and Heather A. Pines). AIDS Patient Care and STDs 36, no. 7 (2022): 254-262.

Explores the preferences of people who inject drugs regarding HIV prevention methods. Findings show that participants favored long-acting injectable PrEP over other methods, citing convenience and reduced stigma.