Public Meeting – Safe and Healthy Santa Cruz: Strategic Plan for Substance Abuse Treatment and Intervention Community Forum
SANTA CRUZ, CA. September 18, 2014 –
The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency’s Alcohol and Drug Program, and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission invite community members to a community forum presenting the draft Substance Abuse Treatment and Intervention Strategic Plan on September 18, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at the Simpkins Swim Center (979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062). The presentation will include the plan’s desired goals and outcomes, as well as approaches for how we as a community can work together.
Substance abuse, including addiction, is a chronic disorder with devastating impacts on individuals, families, community members and our local systems of services and supports. Data indicate: Over 21,000 people per year in Santa Cruz County are estimated to have a substance use disorder; over 25% of homeless individuals say that alcohol/drug services would have helped prevent their homelessness; and 16.9% of school suspensions and 21.4% of school expulsions in Santa Cruz County were alcohol and drug related. Consequences of this health condition impose financial burdens on individuals, county agencies and community organizations.
Small group discussion will follow the presentation. This community conversation will include getting feedback on the draft plan and how the community can work together to support implementation of the plan. The draft plan specifically includes services and support for individuals facing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
Spanish translation services will be provided.
For more information, please call Dr. Bill Manov at 831-454-4220.