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74 <br /> -THE- <br /> CATHOLIC COMMUNITY <br /> of ST. THOMAS MORE <br /> February 17,2025 <br /> Tonya Stancil, Harm Reduction Coordinator <br /> Orange County Government <br /> tstanci[Porangecountync.gov <br /> RE: Letter of Support for El Futuro's Orange County Latino Early Intervention Program <br /> Dear Ms. Stancil, <br /> On behalf of St Thomas More Church at Chapel Hill NC, I am pleased to provide this letter of <br /> support for El Futuro's proposal for the Orange County Opioid Settlement Funds.As a dedicated <br /> partner in addressing the opioid crisis in our community,we recognize the critical role El Futuro <br /> plays in ensuring that Latino individuals and families receive culturally and linguistically <br /> appropriate substance use and mental health services. <br /> El Futuro's Orange County Latino Early Intervention Program is uniquely positioned to meet the <br /> needs of historically marginalized Latino residents by integrating early intervention strategies, such <br /> as Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment(SBIRT), into their existing mental health <br /> services.This initiative directly aligns with Orange County's priorities for opioid response, <br /> expanding access to early intervention,treatment referrals, and recovery support for individuals at <br /> risk of opioid use disorder(OUD)and co-occurring mental health conditions. <br /> St Thomas More Church has a long-standing collaborative relationship with El Futuro,working <br /> together to improve behavioral health outcomes for Latino communities.Through this partnership, <br /> we have witnessed firsthand El Futuro's commitment to providing high-quality, culturally <br /> competent care to Latino families facing significant barriers to treatment, including language <br /> access, stigma,and lack of healthcare coverage. <br /> Our organization is eager to support El Futuro's proposed project by making referrals, sharing <br /> resources they should have, and co-hosting educational workshops.We firmly believe that this <br /> initiative will enhance the county's capacity to respond effectively to the opioid crisis by engaging <br /> trusted community health workers to work with Latino individuals affected by substance use. <br /> We strongly urge Orange County to fund this important initiative,which will have a lasting impact <br /> on improving access to care and supporting long-term recovery for Latino residents in our <br /> community.Thank you for your consideration of this request,and we look forward to continuing our <br /> partnership with El Futuro in addressing substance use and mental health disparities in Orange <br /> County. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> I � <br /> Rev. Fr. Rafael Leon Valencia <br /> Pastor <br /> 919.942.1040 940 Carmichael St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 www.stmchapelhill.org <br />