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Approve the work plan and revised bylaws for the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board approve the work plan and revised bylaws for the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board (ADAB).
SUMMARY:
The ADAB reviewed and updated its work plan to focus on current priorities for endorsement by the Board of Supervisors. In summary, the work plan includes three goals and strategies:
1. Policy development and evaluation - advise Behavioral Health leadership and the Board of Supervisors on related policy considerations, and collaborate with other Solano County advisory boards and county agencies.
2. Facilitation of treatment resource expansion - propose measures to respond to new substance use risks and to improve treatment; invite contracted providers to present to the Board at least annually; and encourage public support of harm reduction strategies.
3. Public awareness and ADAB visibility - develop a speakers' bureau, increase web presence, and promote participation in the ADAB.
As part of its efforts to reduce stigma associated with substance use disorder prevention and treatment, the ADAB reviewed its bylaws and identified stigmatizing language to be replaced to align with best practices. Attaining "recovery" from substance use disorder is a personal journey that is defined by the individual, not appropriately described by the term "sobriety" or even "clean and sober." Terms like "alcoholism and drug abuse" are replaced with "substance use disorder"; "aid" from treatment providers is changed to "services"; and "recovering alcoholic" is replaced with "person in recovery." These terms recognize that substance use disorders are treatable, medical conditions, not a personal weakness or a choice to "abuse" substances. ADAB approved the revised bylaws by unanimo...
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