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Substance Use Disorder and Addiction in Mendocino County

    

Click HERE to view data and reports from Mendonoma Health Alliance
      


The Safe Rx Mendocino Opioid Safety Coalition and the Mendonoma Health Alliance are working in collaboration to address Substance Abuse and Addiction.

Safe Rx Mendocino is a coalition of concerned community members, medical professionals, educators, law enforcement, and community-based organizations. Two sub-coalitions meet regularly to address the needs of residents on the Mendocino Coast and Inland communities for the safe management of prescription painkillers in the county.

Their mission is to focus on preventing and reducing opioid misuse and stigma, promote holistic and comprehensive treatment, and strengthen partnerships with health providers, law enforcement, and the community.

Mendonoma Health Alliance (MHA) is made up of many talented local residents and leaders from community organizations from Irish Beach to Timber Cove in Sonoma County. Their mission is to improve local access to wellness education, prevention services and quality healthcare through creative solutions in collaboration with their community.

In April 2021 these two agencies launched a county-wide campaign, #Overcoming Addiction, to eradicate stigma associated with addictions. Substance and Opioid Use Disorder have become one of the nation’s leading health disparities, impacting the social, emotional and physical well-being of individuals experiencing addiction. State-wide, overdose fatalities in California have risen by 15% in the last three years – faster than the national average. In 2019, Mendocino and Lake Counties outpaced every other county in California for the adjusted rate of overdose deaths and more than doubled the state average of 19.6 deaths per 100,000 residents.1 Isolated communities within Mendocino County have also felt the impact, with places like Point Arena experiencing the highest opioid-related overdose death rate per capita in the County and State in 2016, and the small unincorporated town of Gualala ranking number one in opioid-related overdose deaths per capita in the County and State in 2019.2 The Healthy Mendocino data indicator for Age-Adjusted Death Rate due to All Opioid Overdose shows an increase in in the death rate for Mendocino County from 13.7 in 2018 to 21.1 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2019. 



1 Policy Brief, Trends in California, California health Policy Strategies, LLC. March 2021;

https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.109/zb0.123.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Policy-

Brief-Overdose-Trends-3.2020-1.pdf

2 California Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, California Department of Public Health,

https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/

The following chart presents 12-month moving averages for selected opioid indicators.



 

Mendonoma Health Alliance and the Safe Rx Mendocino Coalition recognize that some of the greatest barriers to people seeking treatment for their health condition are the systematic and social stigmas and biases that have been embedded in the culture and history of our communities, healthcare systems, and criminal justice systems. Together, with our partners county-wide, they are taking a stand against stigma so that individuals experiencing addiction feel supported and encouraged to reach out for help when they are ready to seek wellness. It is important to note that addiction is a chronic condition and not a choice, people choose to use but they are not choosing to be addicted. 

 

In doing so, their agencies worked with Trim Tab Media to develop a media campaign to highlight the inspiring stories of local residents in long-term recovery who have become beacons of hope for people struggling with addiction. The campaign also works to highlight public health professionals, clinical providers and community health workers who work every day to end stigma and create paths to recovery.

The campaign launched in April, with video content on the websites of partner organizations and spread widely throughout social media. The campaign will be further promoted in print; on physical ad spaces throughout the county, such as MTA buses, billboards and banners; and on radio stations county-wide.

The campaign is live on http://www.mendonomahealth.org/addiction and can be followed on social media by searching for #OvercomingAddiction.

This campaign was made possible by funding provided by the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, a program of the federal Health Resources and Services Administration; the Coalition for Gang Awareness and Prevention’s Drug Free Communities Grant, administered by the Centers for Disease Control; and the Arlene & Michael Rosen Foundation.

For more information about the campaign or how to participate, contact Micheline White, Executive Director of Mendonoma Health Alliance, michelle.mcmillan@covidresponsenetwork.net

 

We can overcome addiction, together.

 

Seeking treatment for Substance and Opioid Use Disorder

      

The Opioid (Narcotic) Treatment program provides daily or several times weekly medication and counseling available to maintain stability for those with an opioid use disorder. Studies show that people with an opioid use disorder who follow detoxification with complete abstinence are very likely to relapse or return to using the drug. While relapse is a normal step on the path to recovery, it can also be life threatening, raising the risk for a fatal overdose. An important way to support recovery from heroin or prescription opioid use disorder is to maintain abstinence from those drugs. Someone in recovery can also use medications that reduce the negative effects of withdrawal and cravings without producing the euphoria that the original drug of abuse caused.
Source: NIDA. (2018, June 8). Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) provides ordering, prescribing, administering, and monitoring of medications for substance use disorders.

  • Medication can safely reduce opioid craving and withdrawal, allowing the brain to balance and heal during recovery.
  • MAT decreases opioid misuse and reduces opioid-related overdoses and deaths.
  • An individualized assessment and medical plan are required.
  • MAT is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • MAT does not substitute one addiction for another.
  • MAT is not a substitute for counseling and behavioral therapies.

Mendocino County MAT Treatment Providers List can be found at: MAT Treatment Providers Locator

Mendocino County AIDS/Viral Hepatitis Network (MCAVHN) also provides MAT services. They can be reached at mcavhn@yahoo.com or calling 707-462-1932. 

FOR PARENTS

"Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use in Childhood and Early Adolescence Predicts Transitions to Heroin Use in Young Adulthood” - Journal of Pediatrics (2015)

WHAT YOU CAN DO

WATCH OUT FOR PRESCRIPTION MISUSE

  • Experimenting or sharing
  • Ignoring label directions
  • Combining unknown drugs
  • Taking meds to get high

LOOK FOR WARNING SIGNS

  • Changes in physical appearance
  • Loss of interest or motivation
  • Different friends or activities
  • Unexplained pills or paraphernalia

DON’T MAKE IT EASY

IF YOU NEED HELP

Get support. Talk to your health care provider, school counselor, prevention/treatment professional, friends or family.

ABOUT MENDOCINO COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Substance Use Disorder Treatment programs help participants who are experiencing substance use disorders to create and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle, free of alcohol and other drug abuse. All treatment staff are certified or registered by the State of California and utilize evidence-based curricula.

Location and Contact Information

UKIAH
1120 S. Dora St
707-472-2637
Adolescent Programs: www.mendocinocounty.org/government/health-and-human-services-agency/substance-use/adolescent-programs


Adolescent Treatment Programs

School-based Programs

Substance Use Disorders Treatment (SUDT) facilitates several school-based prevention, intervention and counseling programs that enhances youths' internal strengths and resiliency while addressing patterns of substance abuse.

Prevention and education groups, individual and group counseling, and a variety of clean and sober health activities, along with community service projects are among the offerings of these services.

Current services to students are school faculty, parent, probation, or self-referred.  Mendocino County adolescent SUDT partners with community agencies throughout the county to provide comprehensive wrap-around care for the youth.

Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS)

The Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) provides a continuum of care modeled after the American Society of Addiction Medicine Criteria for substance use disorder treatment services, enables more local control and accountability, provides greater administrative oversight, creates utilization controls to improve care and efficient use of resources, implements evidenced based practices in substance abuse treatment, and coordinates with other systems of care. Mendocino County works together with Partnership HealthPlan to provide services under DMC-ODS.

TREATMENT SERVICES FOR ADOLESCENTS

  • Mendocino County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
    1120 S. Dora St., Ukiah, CA
    Phone: 707-472-2637
    Click here for Adolescent Programs
  • Tapestry’s Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment Program
    290 E. Gobbi St., Ukiah, CA
    Phone: 707-463-3300
    tapestryfs.orgThis program focuses on common mental health disorders for children, impulse control, affect awareness and tolerance, behavior management, empathy training, social skill development and relationship building.
  • Mendocino County Youth Project (MCYP) Counseling Services
    Services areas include: Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Willits, and Juvenile Hall. And select schools
    776 S. Stat St #107, Ukiah, CA
    Phone: 707-463-4915
    mcyp.org
    Mental Health Support Services for young children and youth up to age 24 and their families. Counseling and Therapeutic Services are offered at no-cost for children and youth up to 24 who have Medi-Cal, Beacon or who are eligible for grant funded services. MCYP offers numerous support services, local agency referrals, advocacy, outreach, transportation and home visits.
  • Redwood Community Services, INC. Behavioral Health Services
    631 S. Orchard Ave., Ukiah, CA
    Phone: 707-467-2010
    redwoodcommunityservices.org/bhs
    Counseling Center established in 2002 to improve the lives of children, youth, and families in our community through supportive and intensive services, including individual, family, and group therapy.

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER NETWORK

Family resource centers provide a variety of services to individuals, youth and families, including: information and referral, child abuse & neglect intervention/prevention, service access, life skills classes, programs for children and youth, concrete support in times of need, and case management.

UKIAH

FORT BRAGG

  • Safe Passage Family Resource Center
    208 Dana St., Fort Bragg, CA
    Phone: 707-964-3077
    www.safepassagefortbragg.org
    A resource center dedicated to strengthening our coastal community through strengthening families. The center provides referrals, support, and classes to strengthen families, parents, grandparents, and youth on the coast.

GUALALA

  • Action Network FRC
    39144 Ocean Dr., Cypress Village Ste. 3 & 4, Gualala, CA
    Phone: 707-884-5413
    www.actionnetwork.info
    A comprehensive non-profit organization of the community for the community. Offering services, programs, training and activities to meet the growing needs of individuals and families of all ages and all backgrounds.

WILLITS

  • WISC Family Center
    221B S. Lenore Ave., Willits, CA
    Phone: 707-456-3710
    www.mendocinocounty.org/government/health-and-human-services-agency/children-s-services/services-and-programs/family-resource-center-frc
    The Mendocino County Family Centers, located in Ukiah and Willits, provide a variety of services including parenting classes which are open to the general public, Intake Support groups and Family Empowerment groups for parent who have dependency court cases, supervision of visits between foster children and their parents, transportation for children to and from their visits, and housing advocacy and support for our homeless clients
  • Nuestra Alianza de Willits FRC
    291 School St, Room 1, Willits, CA
    Phone: 707-456-9418
    nuestraalianzadewillits.org
    Nuestra Alianza de Willits offers private consultations with a native Spanish speaking Dr. of Psychology as well as group presentations to promote emotional health. They also provide after school programs, information and referrals for social services, immigration assistance and referral, child supervision, parenting classes, health education and much more.

LAYTONVILLE

  • Laytonville Healthy Start
    44400 Willis Ave., Laytonville, CA
    Phone: 707-984-8089
    www.laytonville.org/healthystart
    Laytonville Healthy Start offers many opportunities for families including, but not limited to: information, resources and referrals (mental health services/counseling, alcohol and other drug services/counseling, WIC services, domestic violence, homelessness, California Children’s Services, literacy, pregnancy/parenting information, after preschool care, and foster child liaison services).

COVELO

POTTER VALLEY

  • Potter Valley Youth & Community Center
    10270 Main St, Potter Valley, CA
    Phone: 707-743-1789
    www.pvycc.org
    The Potter Valley Youth and Community Center was established to maintain a drug free facility where a contribution to recreation, physical, social and educational needs of all community members is provided on a greater scope.

 

Author:
Patrice Mascolo
Resource Date:
August 23, 2021
Resource Type:
Feature Story
Topics:
Health / Alcohol & Drug Use
Substance Use Disorder and Addiction in Mendocino County

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