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63 <br /> • Client feedback surveys showing significant substance use concerns among Latino clients <br /> with limited access to SUD treatment. <br /> • Community engagement events, including La Mesita, where Latino families repeatedly <br /> emphasize the need for Spanish-language education and resources. <br /> • Collaborations with local health and social service providers, who report a growing <br /> number of Latino individuals seeking behavioral health support for SUD without <br /> culturally competent access. <br /> Evidence for Early Intervention <br /> Rising fentanyl-related overdoses and substance misuse underscore the urgency for prevention- <br /> focused, culturally competent programming. National research consistently confirms early <br /> intervention significantly reduces long-term dependency risks (2023 National Survey on Drug <br /> Use). Early intervention for alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can prevent opioid misuse by up <br /> to 40% in at-risk populations (SAMHSA, 2016). Despite this evidence, Latinos remain far less <br /> likely to seek treatment(SAMHSA, 2021). <br /> SBIRT is a proven, effective intervention. SAMHSA evaluations show that clients receiving brief <br /> interventions reduced substance use by 128.8% within six months. Additionally, 99.6% of clients <br /> reported fewer negative social consequences related to substance use following SBIRT <br /> implementation (SAMHSA, 2023). Integrating SBIRT screening and early intervention will bridge <br /> critical service gaps, expand access to culturally responsive prevention efforts, and reduce <br /> opioid misuse risks, ensuring long-term health equity for Latino families in Orange County. <br /> B. Project Description and Program Sustainability <br /> Implementation Strategy <br /> EI Futuro proposes to implement "Strategy 6: Early Intervention Services" from the NC MOA's <br /> Option A list of eligible strategies to enhance early identification and prevention of SUD among <br /> historically marginalized Latino youth and young adults in Orange County. This initiative will <br /> train CMHWs in SBIRT and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to strengthen early intervention <br /> efforts and expand access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services. By embedding <br /> SBIRT and early intervention into EI Futuro's existing mental health framework, the proposed <br /> project will expand access to screening, education, and intervention while ensuring seamless <br /> linkages to care. <br /> Project Overview and Expected Impact <br /> EI Futuro recognizes the gaps in opioid-related prevention and recovery support for Latino <br /> individuals in Orange County. To strengthen early intervention efforts, this proposal will expand <br /> support for Latino youth and young adults at risk of substance use disorders by: <br /> • Implementing SBIRT screenings: Training all CMHWs in SBIRT and MI to identify <br /> substance use risk factors and co-occurring mental health concerns at key entry points <br /> 2 <br />