About Us

Friends Community Center is the Los Angeles community research site for Friends Research Institute, Inc. Friends Community Center was founded by and is directed by Dr. Cathy Reback. The Center conducts community-based research with gay and bisexual men, sexual minority men, other men who have sex with men, and trans and gender-expansive individuals with multiple health disparities including substance use disorders. The site is located in Hollywood with easy access to public transportation.

The overall objective of the research studies is to reduce the risk that can result from drug use by managing the physical, psychological, and psychosocial manifestations of drug use without the requirement of absolute abstinence or recovery. We work to advance our participants through the HIV Prevention or Care Continuum. Success is evaluated by any change in behavior that reduces physical, psychological, or psychosocial negative drug consequences to participants, their loved ones, and/or their community.