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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 unanimous vote at their January 8, 2020 meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the County General Fund. The costs of preparing this report are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2019/20 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The ADAB was established by the Board of Supervisors Resolution 94-191 on September 6, 1994, pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 11805 stating that each county "may have an advisory board on alcohol and other drug problems appointed by the board of supervisors." Solano County provides most of its substance use disorder treatment services through contracts with community-based organizations. The ADAB provides a forum for participation by the contracted providers, community, consumers, and other agencies in planning, evaluating and prioritizing services for the community.
The ADAB members serve on a voluntary basis for two-year terms, providing input to ensure that the community needs regarding substance use disorder treatment are met through prevention, early intervention, and treatment. The ADAB reviews, evaluates, and participates in the planning process, while also encouraging public understanding of substance use issues and advising the County Substance Use Disorder Administrator and Board of Supervisors.
There are currently six members and three vacancies on the ADAB. Additional vacancies include the District 3 Representative, Member at Large, and the Mental Health Advisory Board representative.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve this Work Plan or the changes to the by-laws. This is not recommended because both were approved by unanimous vote of the ADAB.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
No other agencies participated in the work products from the ADAB.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION