Bloomberg Cities’ Post

If you live or work in San Francisco, you need to read this. The city's homelessness and addiction crisis is not getting better, and traditional approaches aren't working. The Salvation Army, where I serve on the Advisory Board, is taking a different approach with incredible results. Instead of just handing out clean needles or tents, they're helping people become drug-free, housed, and employed. The majority of people who went through their program are experiencing life-changing success 18 months later. Check out this must-read article on the misdiagnosis of San Francisco's addiction crisis.

The Arizona VA crisis of 2014, where veterans faced long wait times and poor care, led to a national outcry and investigations. The crisis highlighted systemic issues, including understaffing, inadequate resources, and poor leadership. The MISSION Act of 2018 was a response to the crisis, aiming to improve veteran care by: 1. Expanding access to community care 2. Strengthening healthcare services 3. Improving coordination and communication 4. Addressing opioid addiction and homelessness The correlation between the two events is clear: 1. The Arizona VA crisis exposed the need for reform and improvement in veteran care. 2. The MISSION Act addressed these issues, providing a framework for progress. 3. The Act's implementation has led to improved access to care, including opioid addiction treatment and housing support for homeless veterans. In 2024, the progress is evident: 1. Veteran wait times have decreased significantly. 2. Opioid addiction treatment programs have expanded, with increased access to medication-assisted treatment and peer support groups. 3. Homelessness among veterans has decreased due to Housing First initiatives and supportive services. 4. Telehealth services have improved access to care for rural veterans. 5. Community partnerships have strengthened, fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and social services. While challenges still exist, the correlation between the Arizona VA crisis and the MISSION Act has driven progress in addressing veteran opioid addiction and homelessness in the state. Continued implementation and improvement of the Act's provisions will help ensure that Arizona veterans receive the care and support they deserve. Thank you, Arizona Senator Krysten Sinema and Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Chuck Byers, for your dedicated advocacy and relentless problem solving in support of veterans. Where would we be without you? 🇺🇸

As the founder of a charity dedicated to supporting young adults struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects that substance abuse can have on individuals, families, and communities. However, I’ve also witnessed the power of prevention — the impact that early intervention, education, and community support can have in steering young adults away from the dangers of addiction. Believe me: prevention is not just a possibility; it is a necessity. In this blog, I will share practical strategies LEARN MORE: https://lnkd.in/enkEDGbH #addictionsupport #addictionprevention #preventaddiction #alcoholismawareness #addictionawareness #addictionhelp

Community Compass: Navigating Support Services | May 14 @ 6PM We know addiction treatment should be accessible to everyone, but there are outside barriers that can lead to complications in receiving it. Issues with insurance coverage or lack of transportation, employment, and finances are factors that can distract or prevent a person from receiving proper treatment and care. And, as family members, it's a challenge to even know where to start in finding appropriate resources for your loved one. Fortunately, there are tons of resources and social services available to combat these obstacles. From government organizations to charities and nonprofits, there's a world of programs patients, families, and supporters can access with the right assistance. This webinar is set to explore community resources and various navigation engines accessible to patients with different barriers to addiction treatment. Featuring Master Center's own Healthcare Navigators, we'll dive into various social services for addiction recovery assistance, such as a Medicaid overview, ways to find employment opportunities and GED classes, avenues to affordable housing, and more to figure out what's best for your loved one. https://lnkd.in/dU8iUfmJ

The Opiod epidemic has ravaged our Comunities. We see it in our streets, in our crime rates, and in our families. It’s has stolen the lives, hopes, and dreams for so many. Overdose is #1 killer of people under 40 in this country resulting in over 100,000 deaths last year. It is normal to feel frustration, anger, and apathy toward people with substance abuse issues. But it’s also important to to understand that these people have parents, children, families, and most importantly are human beings. There is hope and people do recover. They are ways to support people in recovery. Consider being a second chance employer to people in recovery, if you own or manage rental properties consider renting to people in long term recovery or to people who manage sober living organizations, get involved with local nonprofits supporting the recovery Comunity. ‘We don’t have openings’: SnoCo recovery houses struggle with demand https://lnkd.in/gT5x-Q2u

My posts this week have been based around #YoungCarersActionDay where I'm highlighting the needs of children living with family addiction. Check out my other posts if you haven't seen them. Here's how we can ensure we mitigate any risks to children who are being affected by this. It can and does have a profound impact on children, so the important thing to do is not try and manage everything yourself! I always suggest to my clients to let nursery, school or college know what's going on at home. This is a scary thought as people tend to want to protect their person, or doesn't want to betray their trust or worries about children being removed. Unfortunately, when it comes to children, we need to prioritise their needs over everyone else's because they are children. As adults, we need to take the worry and stress away from them in any way we can. Letting professionals know, means children can speak to someone outside the family home and often feel more comfortable doing this with people not emotionally attached to the issue at home. This will be addressed in a way that parents or carers ask. An Early Help assessment is another option, which can be requested by school or children's services. This explores the needs of the child and brings any services together. It also takes the pressure off clients because they get a team helping them. They can also access support through funding sometimes like counselling or play therapy. There are local authority funded drug and alcohol services in every locality. They may well have funding for support for children. It's well worth checking out over on Google. Give them a call and ask. There are national charities like @nacoauk who do fab work with children, young people and adults affected by parental addiction. Check them out. Even if it's just to get educated. Of course, you can come and work with me and I will advise and guide you through your #familyrecovery journey because I have two decades experience in supporting families affected by addiction and I'm happy to help you too. Links in bio. Drop me a DM. Take Care, Victoria

Good News for Those Struggling with Gambling Addiction! The NHS has just opened a brand new gambling addiction clinic in Sheffield, bringing the total number of specialist clinics across England to 15! This is a huge milestone in their Long Term Plan to provide accessible support for those in need 💙 Why is this important? ✅ Demand is Rising: More and more people are seeking help with gambling addiction, highlighting the need for these specialised services ✅ Expanded Access: The new clinics nearly double the number of resources available compared to last year. This means more people can get the help they deserve ✅ Expert Support: Clinics offer comprehensive treatment plans with a team of professionals including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists How to Get Help: ✨ Self-Referral: Individuals can reach out directly to a clinic for support ✨ GP Referral: Your doctor can also refer you for treatment While charities offer valuable support, these NHS clinics provide a unique level of comprehensive care tailored to gambling addiction #NHSHelp #GamblingAddiction #MentalHealthAwareness

You know, the UK government has really dropped the ball on helping people beat addiction. There are so many issues making it tough to get the support needed. Support varies wildly between areas—some places have decent services, while others have next to nothing. The stigma around addiction as a moral failing stops many from seeking help. Even when help is available, it's often incomplete, like getting medical treatment without the necessary psychological and social support. It’s frustrating to see so many people slipping through the cracks. I personally feel to address these issues, it's crucial that charities and organizations working to combat addiction come together and collaborate. By working together, they can: Share Resources and Expertise: Organizations can pool their resources and share expertise to provide better and more comprehensive care. Advocate for Better Funding: A united front can be more effective in advocating for increased government funding and better policies. Raise Awareness: Joint efforts can help reduce the stigma around addiction and educate the public about the importance of treating it as a health issue. Provide Consistent Support: Collaboration can help ensure that support is more consistent across different regions, so everyone has access to the help they need. By working together, charities and organizations can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction, helping them to recover and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. https://lnkd.in/dM4wZ9JG #addictionawareness #supportrecovery #endthestigma #fundmentalhealth #TogetherWeCan

Dear Friends, I are writing to seek your support for the Anti-Drug and Alcohol Abuse Movement (A.D.A.A.M), a dedicated organization committed to raising awareness about mental health and combating substance use disorders in Uganda. The mission is to transform the lives of those affected by drug and alcohol abuse, fostering their reintegration into society as productive and empowered individuals. The Challenges we face in Uganda is grappling with a growing crisis of substance abuse and mental health issues. The stigma surrounding mental health often leaves those in need without adequate support, leading to a cycle of addiction, mental illness, and social isolation. Substance use disorders not only affect the individuals involved but also devastate families and communities, hindering social and economic development. Our Objectives A.D.A.A.M is at the forefront of this critical issue, striving to: Raise Awareness: Through community outreach, educational programs, and media campaigns, we aim to de stigmatize mental health issues and promote understanding and empathy. Provide Support and Rehabilitation: We offer counseling, rehabilitation services, and support groups for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, guiding them towards recovery and stability. Empower Through Education and Employment: By providing vocational training and job placement services, we help individuals regain their confidence and become self-sufficient, contributing members of society. Why Your Support Matters Your support is crucial in enabling A.D.A.A.M to expand its reach and impact. With your help, we can: Expand our Awareness Campaigns: Develop more comprehensive and far-reaching educational programs to inform communities about the realities of substance abuse and mental health. Enhance Rehabilitation Services: Improve and increase access to our counseling and rehabilitation facilities, ensuring that more individuals receive the care they need. Boost Employment Initiatives: Create more training programs and partnerships with local businesses to offer employment opportunities to those in recovery. How You Can Help Financial Contributions: Your donations will directly fund our programs, enabling us to reach more individuals and provide higher quality services. Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support our outreach, education, and rehabilitation efforts. Advocate: Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by substance abuse and mental health issues in Uganda. By supporting A.D.A.A.M, you are not only helping individuals recover and rebuild their lives but also strengthening our communities and fostering a more compassionate and understanding society. Thank you for your consideration and generosity. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and a brighter future to many. With sincere gratitude, Chris https://lnkd.in/da_2bvA4