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38 <br /> 1. Proposal Summary (no more than 250 words, required but not scored) <br /> This program builds on last year's efforts to prevent and address substance use disorders (SUD), <br /> including opioid use disorder (OUD), and co-occurring mental health conditions among <br /> economically disadvantaged youth, young adults, and caregivers in Orange County, specializing <br /> in Spanish-speakers and people with high rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These <br /> populations face disproportionate barriers to care and limited access to affordable behavioral <br /> health services, making early intervention critical. <br /> This program will expand Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) <br /> services into EI Futuro's Walk-In Clinic for Orange County residents, while continuing <br /> community-based screenings. Community Mental Health Workers (CMHWs) and clinical staff <br /> will receive additional training in SBIRT, motivational interviewing, and culturally responsive <br /> practices. The program integrates Strong Minds, Strong Communities screening tools for early <br /> substance use detection and intervention, connecting clients to treatment, behavioral health <br /> services, and supportive resources. <br /> Expected outcomes include screening 180 individuals annually for substance use and co- <br /> occurring mental health concerns, providing timely brief interventions to >85% of those <br /> identified at risk, and connecting >75% of clients to treatment or supportive services when high <br /> risk is identified. Caregivers will participate in bilingual psychoeducation workshops to reinforce <br /> prevention strategies and reduce stigma. <br /> By leveraging evidence-based protocols, trained staff, and trusted community partnerships, this <br /> initiative strengthens early intervention capacity, improves timely access to care, and promotes <br /> measurable reductions in OUD and SUD risk among economically disadvantaged Spanish- <br /> speaking and other populations.These outcomes will enhance health equity, community <br /> resilience, and sustainable behavioral health infrastructure in Orange County. <br /> 1 <br />