Orange County NC Website
68 <br /> programs. Their insights have been instrumental in: Identifying the need for psychoeducation <br /> workshops for caregivers to better understand mental health, substance use prevention, and <br /> harm reduction; reducing stigma around seeking mental health and substance use support <br /> through peer-led engagement and community outreach initiatives; leading prevention activities, <br /> such as Simulacros (mock emergency drills), where they educate their peers on substance use <br /> risks and intervention strategies; and providing quarterly feedback to enhance programming <br /> and outreach efforts. Their input ensures services remain relevant, engaging, and effective for <br /> Latino youth. <br /> Experience Serving Historically Marginalized Populations <br /> EI Futuro has successfully served historically marginalized populations with culturally- <br /> responsive, bilingual services since inception. The organization and its staff are committed to <br /> promoting the health and dignity of Latino youth, young adults, and caregivers impacted by <br /> mental health and substance use challenges. By leveraging its deep community relationships <br /> and culturally tailored programming, he organization's early intervention approach will expand <br /> early intervention strategies to empower Latino youth, young adults, and their caregivers to <br /> seek support, reduce substance use risks, and build a strong foundation for mental well-being <br /> and recovery. <br /> E. Evidence of Collaborations/Partnerships <br /> EI Futuro has a long-standing commitment to collaboration, partnering with key community <br /> organizations across Orange County and North Carolina to ensure Latino youth, young adults, <br /> and their caregivers have access to culturally responsive mental health and substance use <br /> services. Through this project, EI Futuro will strengthen existing partnerships and establish new <br /> collaborations to enhance early intervention. <br /> Key Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts <br /> • Orange County Health Department (OCHD): Collaborating with OCHD's Harm Reduction <br /> Program and the county's Harm Reduction Coordinator to provide culturally appropriate <br /> harm reduction education and distribution of naloxone, increase awareness of <br /> resources, integrate SBIRT into community-based settings, and provide referrals for <br /> Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as needed. <br /> • UNC Health and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): Strengthening existing <br /> partnerships with UNC Health clinics and local FQHCs to ensure that individuals <br /> identified through SBIRT receive timely referrals to addiction treatment, primary care, <br /> and mental health services. These providers will also serve as referral pathways for <br /> individuals needing more intensive care. <br /> 7 <br />