The Pinal County Latino Opioid Consortium (PCLOC) is implementing Si Se Puede as an opportunity to build comprehensive prevention, treatment, and recovery infrastructure supporting the rural community of Coolidge, Arizona, and is funded by the Health Rural Services Administration. The PCLOC members – Amistades, Inc. (Project Applicant/Lead Agency); Pinal Hispanic Council (Outpatient Behavioral Health Provider); Sun Life Family Health Center (Primary Care Provider); Coolidge Youth Coalition (Prevention), and City of Coolidge Police Department have worked together over the past year to identify assets and resources serving Coolidge residents and zero-in on areas where more services are needed. Coolidge was selected as the target area because it is a HRSA-designated rural service area and is experiencing a documented and dramatic increase in SUD/OUD. At the same time, there is a rising influx of first-generation Mexican Americans who’s cultural, ethnic, and language differences often prevent them from seeking treatment. With additional funding from SAMHSA, PCLOC has the unique opportunity to destigmatize treatment through expansion of medically assisted treatment services (MAT) for all of Pinal. The five-year grant will increase access to MAT for opioid use disorder to address medically underserved Latino communities; ensure timely treatment engagement for those with dual-diagnosis, and support individuals with OUD re-entering the community following incarceration.
Latinos, Racial Equity, Social Justice, Cultural Preservation, Health Equity, Intergenerational Education, Narrative Change, Substance Abuse Prevention