Substance Use Prevention

The policy and prevention team conducted additional virtual town halls in 2021 focused on substance use prevention. Reach Out joined partnered stakeholders across multiple counties to expand efforts. The town halls were a platform to deliver direct education, promote intentional discussions through breakout activities, and bridge gaps with community partners and residents.

In January 2021, Melissa Grisi, LCSW, CAADC, EMDR Certified Therapist (also a trauma-informed yoga teacher and clay artist) presented “Stages of Change,” a trauma-informed approach to substance use treatment and recovery. In March 2021, Reach Out was part of a program entitled Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. Facilitators included Belinda Ordaz, Project Coordinator, and Gloria Andino, Prevention Coordinator, both from the National Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Their presentation focused on shattering the myths around alcohol and other drugs.