Orange County NC Website
72 <br /> ORANLE <br /> PhRTNERSHIP FOR <br /> ALCOHOL <br /> AND <br /> DRUG <br /> FREE <br /> YOUTH <br /> February 19, 2025 <br /> Tonya Stancil,Harm Reduction Coordinator Orange County Government tstancil@orangecountync.gov <br /> RE: Letter of Support for El Futuro's Early Intervention Initiative <br /> Dear Ms. Stancil, <br /> I am writing on behalf of Orange Partnership to express our strong support for El Futuro's proposal to <br /> implement the Orange County Latino Early Intervention Program through the opioid settlement funds. As a <br /> key collaborative organization in youth substance use prevention, Orange Partnership recognizes the urgent <br /> need for early intervention strategies tailored to the Latino population in Orange County. <br /> El Futuro's proposed initiative aims to bridge critical service gaps by incorporating Screening,Brief <br /> Intervention, and Referral to Treatment(SBIRT)within their culturally competent mental health framework. <br /> This approach aligns closely with the county's priorities in addressing opioid use and related behavioral <br /> health challenges,particularly among underserved Latino residents who often face language and systemic <br /> barriers to care. <br /> Orange Partnership collaborates regularly with El Futuro in various capacities, and has witnessed firsthand <br /> their dedication to holistic, community-centered care. By working together, we aim to strengthen referral <br /> networks, enhance service accessibility, and promote proactive intervention strategies that prevent early <br /> initiation and interventions of opioid misuse, and support long-teen wellness in our community. <br /> As a committed partner in support of El Futuro's work to serve the Latino communities of Orange County, <br /> we will contribute to this initiative by encouraging coalition members in cross-referrals, co-hosting <br /> educational events,provide training resources, or other needed supports. We believe this initiative will <br /> provide much-needed resources and support to individuals and families impacted by substance use. <br /> We hope Orange County will invest in this important initiative to provide these needed services, which will <br /> benefit Latino individuals and families navigating substance use and mental health challenges. We look <br /> forward to continuing our partnership with El Futuro in improving health equity and access to essential <br /> service <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Gayane Chambless,M.A.NCC <br /> Program Director <br /> Orange Partnership <br /> Orange Partnership for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth <br /> 104 New Stateside Dr. <br /> Chapel Hill NC 27516 <br /> www.orangepartnership.org <br />