To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Public Health
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Memorandum of Understanding by and between the County of Humboldt and the Humboldt Allies for Substance Use Prevention for FY 2022-2023
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by and between the County of Humboldt and Humboldt Substance Use Prevention (ASUP);
2. Authorize the Director of Public Health, or designee thereof, to sign the MOU;
3. Authorize the Director of Public Health, or designee thereof, to sign all future amendments and documents directly related to this MOU upon review and approval of County Counsel and Risk Management.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Public Health Fund
DISCUSSION:
Humboldt ASUP (formerly ASAP) is a local coalition comprised of individuals from throughout Humboldt County who represent diverse community sectors including youth, parents, schools, tribal communities, substance use prevention and treatment, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, business, civic and volunteer groups, media and community members at large. The group’s mission is to reduce and prevent alcohol and other drug use in Humboldt County, especially among youth. The Department of Health and Human Services and particularly Public Health employees have been active members of the coalition since its inception in 2002.
Through multi-sector collaboration, the coalition uses evidence-based approaches to help build safe and healthy communities free of drug-related harm. Strategies include youth leadership development, school-based prevention activities, community education, and events, media campaigns, physical design solutions, and the development and support of local policies and laws that reduce substance use. The coalition has been instrumental in the passage of a local social host ordinance aimed at reducing underage drinking at home parties in the City of Eureka. The group has worked to prevent prescription medication misuse by hosting medication take-back events, distributing medication lock boxes for home use, and providing support for the installation of public medication disposal bins throughout the county. The coalition provides prevention information via media campaigns and news releases; they also sponsor youth Photo Voice projects that allow teens to express their concerns about drug use through photography and narrative. The Humboldt County Community Health Improvement Plan names Humboldt ASUP as a leading organization in efforts to raise community awareness of the risks of alcohol and other drug use.
Approval of this MOU with Humboldt ASUP will support Public Health’s Substance Use Prevention Program to raise awareness about the impact of alcohol and other drug use in the community and help create a healthy environment for both youth and adults. The proposed term of this agreement is from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, to cover the final year of this grant funding. The signing of this MOU will enable the coalition to receive the Drug-Free Communities Grant award through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which provides funding and support to the coalition through dedicated Public Health staff and facility support as well as providing support and sustainability to existing media campaigns, medication bin disposal, and distribution of medication lock boxes. These items and activities have been very successful in promoting substance use awareness and prevention throughout the community and engaging and empowering community members and local organizations to be part of the solution.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approval of this Memorandum of Understanding by and between the County of Humboldt and the Humboldt ASUP will allow DHHS Public Health to receive federal funding through the SAMHSA Drug-Free Communities Grant to support coalition work. There is no impact on the General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt Allies for Substance Use Prevention
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
If the Board chooses not to approve the recommendations, it could result in a loss or delay of funding and services to the County.
ATTACHMENTS:
Memorandum of Understanding by and between the County of Humboldt and Humboldt ASUP 2022-23
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-16
Meeting of: 3/7/2017
File No.: 17-1537