Getting the Word Out :
R aymond Oquendo-Duke is the PCT (Project Connect Treatment) coordinator for STAND. PCT is part of the CSAT (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment) program funded by SAMHSA. Raymond majored in social work and minored in theology. He got his degree in Cleveland, Ohio, in the 80s when AIDS first came on the scene. He worked with a
Raymond shares, “I do whatever I can do. . . working with politicians, congressmen, councilmen, and commissioners here in metro Atlanta and specifically DeKalb County to save lives and educate people who don't even know that we're in their backyard.” PCT also provides interventions for groups using therapy such as Thinking for a Change and MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy). One happy requirement is to report success stories. Raymond tells the story: “There was a man who was homeless, doing drugs, and we recruited him. We talked to him about our program. At first, he was not ready, so he would go to the DOOR. Finally, he got enrolled in substance abuse, a six- month IOP treatment program. He found a good job and found an apartment.” PCT reached out to a long-term housing facility, where, “as long as they pay their rent, they can stay there indefinitely. He got into that program, so he has housing, and he has a job.” The client is HIV positive and has been receiving free medical care. He goes to meetings and works with community
health issues task force to educate the community and encourage
them to get tested. Twenty- five years ago, he moved to Georgia, working in various programs in Fulton and Dekalb counties. Fifteen years ago, he joined STAND Inc. doing prevention education, supervision, training, and presentations around communicable diseases, coupled with substance abuse and mental health education. Raymond facilitates groups in-house and outside the office with the community and local health department for projects like National HIV Testing Day and COVID testing, “where we provide educational material and talk about our program.” He sets up booths at health fairs and food drives. Raymond also does advocacy and activist work with the LGBTQIA+ community.
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