In March 2023, Amistades was awarded a two-year grant from the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE). The program is dedicated to delivering culturally responsive, evidence-based programs and services aimed at addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) within the Latino community across Southern Arizona. Its multifaceted approach encompasses prevention education, crisis response, and effective intervention strategies tailored specifically to the needs of this demographic. Through targeted efforts, the program has not only increased awareness of the risk factors associated with OUD but has also bolstered the community's capacity for early identification and appropriate referral. A key component of the program's success lies in its innovative 'training of trainers' strategy. By providing intensive coaching and mentoring to twenty staff members, seven board members, and forty key partners within the communities, the program has empowered these individuals to become effective conduits of accurate information. Testimonials, such as the one from Danitza Diaz, a parent representative of the coalition, underscore the tangible impact of this approach, with participants expressing heightened confidence and knowledge in OUD training. Significantly, the program has achieved a remarkable 95% participation rate among identified staff, board members, and partner agency representatives, each completing a minimum of 12 hours of communication coaching. This concerted effort has resulted in a notable 20% increase in the number of youth and adult community members actively engaged in OUD prevention and early intervention programming across Southern Arizona. Furthermore, the program has demonstrated its commitment to effective communication by ensuring that all newly developed messages are disseminated using identified methods. This comprehensive approach extends to the enhancement of the Amistades communication forums, including its website and social media platforms, which now feature a new functionality facilitating rapid crisis response for Narcan-seekers. These enhancements are evaluated through media tool review and user feedback via key informant surveys, ensuring continual improvement and responsiveness to community needs. Looking ahead, the program is poised to expand its impact by extending its coaching and mentoring services to agencies interested in implementing Amistades' evidence-based programs. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to fostering sustainable solutions and empowering communities to address the complex challenges posed by OUD effectively.
Latinos, Racial Equity, Social Justice, Cultural Preservation, Health Equity, Intergenerational Education, Narrative Change, Substance Abuse Prevention