Empowering Youth Recovery: Impact of the California Youth Opioid Response (YOR CA) Project
The California Youth Opioid Response (YOR CA) Project, funded by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), addresses the urgent issue of opioid misuse among youth aged 12-24. Led by the California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions (CIBHS) in partnership with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP), this statewide initiative has expanded access to prevention,…
Challenge
California’s youth are facing a devastating opioid crisis, with rising overdose rates and increasing substance use disorders. This urgent situation necessitates immediate action, particularly in enhancing access to MAT and behavioral health services. The YOR CA Project emerged as a critical response, establishing a coordinated support network that spans schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Solution
CIBHS has been instrumental in the success of the YOR CA Project, spearheading several key initiatives benefiting community-based youth service organizations:
- Increasing Awareness and Education on Substance Use Disorders
- Capacity Building and Training Support
- Facilitating Statewide Multi-System Collaboration
- Expanding MAT Access for Youth
- Promoting Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies
Impact
Since the launch of YOR CA, the project has accomplished notable milestones:
- XXXX youth were reached
- XXXX youth were referred to MAT treatment
- Over XXXX youth were referred to counseling services or received peer support
- XXXX Narcan kits were distributed
The YOR CA Project has bolstered communities and empowered organizations in the fight against the opioid epidemic. By delivering immediate support and creating a sustainable framework, the YOR CA Project ensures ongoing solutions to address opioid misuse for future generations.
