Substance Misuse & Mental Health Alliance

The Substance Misuse and Mental Health Alliance is comprised of six task forces dedicated to promoting mental health and addressing the misuse of over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as the use of  illicit drugs, that affect the health and wellbeing of Pima County youth, families, and the larger community.

The Substance Misuse & Mental Health Alliance's goals for 2018-2021 are to:

  • Reduce access to and dependence on prescription pain medications and illicit substances in Pima County.

  • Increase public awareness and education on the effects of substance misuse and to promote good mental health for all residents in Pima County.

  • Increase access to behavioral health and substance misuse services for residents of Pima County.

  • Encourage individual resiliency and coping skills among members of Pima County with anxiety and depression.

Community Awareness Task Force

Co-Lead: Jamal Givens, Liberty Partnership Kino Neighborhoods Council

Co-Lead: TBA

Focus: To increase public awareness on the effects of substance misuse, highlight available mental and behavioral health services, and reduce stigmatization for all residents in Pima County.

Medical Practices Task Force

Co-Lead: Steve Nash, Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation

Co-Lead: Alyssa Padilla, Arizona Center for Rural Health

Focus: To reduce access to and dependence on prescription pain medications in Pima County through systems and policy change.

Referral and Treatment Task Force

Co-Lead: Tania Long, Arizona Complete Health

Co-Lead: Steve Lee, CODAC

Focus: To increase access to substance misuse and mental health services for residents of Pima County through improved access, referral, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

County Narcotics Alliance (SMMH Partner)

Lead: Lieutenant Chris Wildblood, Tucson Police Department / Counter Narcotics Alliance

Focus: To reduce access to and dependence on prescription pain medications and illicit substances in Pima County through targeted enforcement and investigations.

STEERING COMMITTEE 

Focus: To serve in an advising capacity to identify opportunities to improve provider capacity, accessibility, and treatment outcomes for substance misuse and behavioral health services in Pima County.