The community is invited to a public meeting on the issue of substance abuse, its consequences for all community members, and opportunities to work together toward coordinated solutions. On Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 5:30 PM at Aptos High School Performing Arts Center (located at 100 Mariner Way Aptos, CA 95003), the Santa Cruz County Alcohol and Drug Program and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission will collect community input and share information.
Substance abuse, including addiction, is a chronic disease with devastating impacts on individuals, families, community members and our local systems of services and supports. Consequences of this health condition cost individual and community safety and quality of life, and imposes financial burdens on county agencies and community organizations. In fact, everyone in the Santa Cruz County community suffers from the consequences of untreated substance use disorders.
In light of the increasing concern related to substance use disorders, the Santa Cruz County Alcohol and Drug Program is spearheading increased public focus on substance abuse issues. The Community Conversation will focus on evidence of costs to our community and examples of successful cross-system treatment models from County Probation and Child Welfare Services departments. In addition, the conversation will address effective treatment models from the “lived experience” perspective from a community member.
The March 6th session commences a data-driven strategic planning process for treatment systems and services. Goals, objectives, and treatment systems and strategy recommendations will be developed and community input will be a key component of this process. Emphasis is on successful partnership with sister agencies for effective coordinated treatment services. There will be additional opportunity for stakeholder input. The development of the strategic plan report is designed to meet a September 2014 deadline for consideration of the final plan by the County Board of Supervisors.
For more information, please call Bill Manov at 831-454-4220; alternate: Christina Borbely at 415-683-0073.