Sacramento: Let’s Talk Meth

Press release from the Sacramento County Government:

November 09, 2020

Just like the opioid crisis, methamphetamine (meth) is highly addictive and continues to be a serious issue across the country and for Sacramento County. Through planning and far-reaching collaboration, in May 2019, the Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services launched the Sacramento County Methamphetamine Coalition to identify and implement community-wide initiatives that help reduce the devastating consequences of meth use, its effects on the person and on the community. In an effort that will continue the conversation about meth and offer education, resources and support to any person in need, Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services is excited to announce the launch of the Let’s Talk Meth digital outreach campaign.The Let’s Talk Meth website provides information on a variety of treatment programs that matches different needs and connects people with others who have begun a journey of recovery.“We are so excited to launch the Let’s Talk Meth campaign,” said Sacramento County Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services Division Manager, Lori Miller. “This resource will be so helpful for those searching for lasting recovery and will connect you to licensed and certified substance use treatment providers in Sacramento County. We know the journey to take back your life and reconnect with friends and family is a hard process but it is possible and you do not have to do it alone.”Getting Substance Use TreatmentEvery person has different needs when it comes to substance use treatment. It is important to be referred to the appropriate level of care. Sacramento County offers a full continuum of care based on the American Society of Addiction Medicine to make sure the right treatment is provided. To qualify for any Sacramento County treatment and recovery program, an assessment is required. This means speaking with a care professional who uses standardized guidelines to ask questions that help determine the level of treatment you need.Your care professional will:

• Help you determine exactly what kind of treatment would best suit your needs
• Match you with a treatment service within Sacramento county
• Tailor the treatment available to your exact needs
• Refer you to other support services, self-help groups and resources

How do I know if I will qualify?Any person 12 years or older living in Sacramento County who is experiencing substance use problems is eligible and able to receive treatment. You can talk to a care professional about funding eligibility.Please contact 1-888-881-4881 to request services and for accommodation needs and information on how to request auxiliary aids and services, including provision of materials in alternative formats at no cost. Bilingual/bicultural staff or interpreters will be provided at no cost to participants.Share our message with your communities by getting involved today, download our partner toolkit.Learn More about the Sacramento County Methamphetamine CoalitionThe Meth Coalition is a collaboration of stakeholders and meets quarterly with representatives from public health, law enforcement, and judiciary, education, treatment and prevention agencies, as well as members of the community who have been impacted by meth. The goals of the Coalition are:

• Determine the nature and extent of the meth use on its impact across county systems
• Raise awareness and understand the impact of meth use on service systems and the community
• Review data from different systems in relation to meth to determine key points of impact
• Explore options and opportunities for increased treatment and service capacity
• Develop and recommend cross-system, data-driven strategies and response to this problem
• Provide updates to the strategic plan

To learn more about ways to get involved in the Sacramento County Methamphetamine Coalition, please email DHS-SUPT@saccounty.net.About the Sacramento County Methamphetamine Coalition In 2019-20, the coalition held six meetings to present the Strategic Plan and discuss county and statewide impacts of methamphetamine use on local systems, including Individuals Experiencing Homelessness, Health, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Emergency Response, and Child Welfare. Attendance represented 135 entities from both the public and private sectors! These meetings led to the creation of five different county-led subcommittees: Enforcement, Engaging the Medical Community, Prevention and Treatment, Public Education and Media, and Special Populations. Future coalition meetings will inform and administer action steps in the landmark Sacramento County Methamphetamine Coalition strategic plan.

This press release was produced by the Sacramento County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.