SOLEDAD — Valley Health Associates, in collaboration with Central Coast Overdose Prevention, has announced the award of $2 million in grant funding through the Department of Health Care Services and Sierra Health Foundation.
This grant will significantly enhance the availability of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for individuals recovering from substance use disorders in Monterey County, including in the city of Soledad.
“Our goal is to reduce unmet treatment needs and decrease opioid overdose-related deaths by investing in prevention, treatment and recovery activities,” said La Tonya Glover, MSW, executive director of Valley Health Associates.
Monterey County is currently facing a critical challenge, with over 7,500 residents diagnosed with opioid use disorder, a figure that surpasses the statewide average. Despite the high prevalence, more than 50% of these individuals lack access to evidence-based MAT, which is proven to reduce mortality rates by 15 times.
Addressing this gap, Valley Health Associates and Central Coast Overdose Prevention are spearheading an initiative to establish new treatment access points, thereby increasing equitable access to MAT across the county.
The $2 million in grant funding is intended to complement other initiatives being funded through opioid settlement funds, and will be allocated as follows:
- $1 million will be used to launch the Monterey County Mobile Narcotic Treatment Program. This innovative program will bring critical treatment services directly to the communities in need while conducting outreach to high-needs “hot spots,” such as an area where overdose is spiking.
- $1 million will be dedicated to establishing four new Medication Units in King City, Soledad, Monterey Peninsula and the County Jail. These units will be sponsored by the Valley Health Associates Narcotic Treatment Program and will play a pivotal role in increasing access to MAT.
“These initiatives are a vital step towards creating a comprehensive support system for those struggling with substance use disorders in our community,” said Dr. Casey Grover, MD, co-founder of Central Coast Overdose Prevention.
Valley Health Associates provides high-quality substance use disorder services for youth and adults in Monterey and San Benito counties. The nonprofit organization utilizes Medication Assisted Treatment and other evidence-based methods in a safe, caring and supportive environment either on-site or through its mobile clinic.
“Our main focus is to promote recovery and wellness through healthy and productive lifestyle changes while using a whole-person approach to care,” stated the organization.
Central Coast Overdose Prevention aims to eliminate overdoses and other negative substance-related outcomes in Monterey County communities by increasing awareness, reducing stigma, educating the public, improving access to community support services and treatment options, exploring previously underutilized solutions, and treating substance use-related conditions with compassion.
