Substance Abuse Prevention and Control

Prevention Monthly Briefing

December 2021 | Issue #11
Prevention Monthly Briefing

Team/Person of the Month!

Kudos to the LA County Prevention Network and Special Program Initiatives! Last month representative Prevention agencies participated with SAPC staff in a State audit conducted by the External Quality Review Organization, EQRO. With the assistance of invited agencies, the SAPC Prevention Services unit highlighted prevention’s scope of work in the County’s Service Planning Areas, the Special Initiatives such as Our SPOT, the Wellness Centers, CORE Services, network accomplishments, and important data from the prior year. A special thanks to Asian American Drug Abuse Program, Social Model Recovery Systems, and Tarzana Treatment Center for representing the LA County Network.

More than 40 community-based organizations that form the Prevention network have provided exemplary community work during the pandemic--serving the community by hosting virtual meetings, environmental scans, community surveys, and coalition meetings and forums. The network implemented grab-and-go bags to enhance social connection, mutual aid, and health-promotional resources that offer drug-free and healthy alternatives to substance use. Our heartfelt thanks to the more than 40 Prevention agencies which demonstrate daily that “Prevention Works”!

SAPC Issues/Actions

COVID-19 Update:
Consequences of not getting vaccinated: Unvaccinated people are 7 times more likely to get infected with COVID-19 and 44 times more likely to be hospitalized than vaccinated people. http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=350

DPH: COVID-19 Year Over Year Snapshot: A year ago, about 7,200 people had lost their lives to the virus in Los Angeles County – today, that number has tragically increased by nearly 20,000. To date, Public Health has identified a total of 26,838 deaths and 1,509,073 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County. See details: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubHPdetail.cfm?cur=cur&prid=3497&row=25&start=1

Holiday AOD Prevention Outreach Opportunity: U.S. Traffic Safety Marketing--2021 Holiday Season National Enforcement Mobilization / Dec 15, 2021 - Jan 1, 2022-The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it is also known for being the deadliest season when it comes to drunk driving. Unfortunately, every holiday season, lives are lost due to impaired drivers. For [Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving] holiday campaign materials, please click here.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:
These are available at County-run sites and many community sites without an appointment. To find a vaccination site near you, to make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish). If you don’t have internet access, can’t use a computer, or you’re over 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment or scheduling a home-visit if you are homebound. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.

State/Federal News:
SAMHSA releases 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health - Data show COVID’s impact on nation’s mental health, substance use
https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/202110260320

Drug overdose deaths top 100,000 annually for the first time, driven by fentanyl, CDC data show
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/17/health/drug-overdose-deaths-record-high/index.html

Federal Overdose Prevention Strategy emphasizes, equitable access to essential services without stigma save lives by ensuring equitable access to essential health
https://www.hhs.gov/overdose-prevention/background

DEA Issues Public Safety Alert on Sharp Increase in Fake Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl and Meth
https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2021/09/27/dea-issues-public-safety-alert

Agency News:
This month The Wall/Las Memorias (TWLM) invites everyone to two special events. On Dec. 1st - 6:30 pm: On World AIDS Day, TWLM will unveiling and rededicate The AIDS Monument at Lincoln Park, 3600 N. Mission Rd., Los Angeles, 90031. The Celebration will include live musical performances by The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, presentations by distinguished guests, video messages from our celebrity co-chairs, a special candlelight presentation, and reception to celebrate the milestone!

On Dec. 4th - 12 pm., TWLA will host Las Posadas in the Park to celebrate the colorful holiday traditions. Join TWLA for an afternoon of resources, giveaways, raffle prizes, and live music! These are free community events; however, registration is required. http://www.thewalllasmemorias.org/

Upcoming Events and Deadlines:

Save the Dates:
December 9th: Quarterly Prevention Provider Meeting: LA County’s Network Highlights and Lessons for the Year! (Microsoft Team invite)

December 15th - 3 pm: Unraveling the Mysteries of U.S. Alcohol Regulations
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PQu3Kc7TTmyQyAVjHcZNKg
 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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