Substance Abuse Indicators

Police participation is essential for successful implementation of deflection and pre-arrest diversion programs. It can increase the number of referrals to services and enhance community-police engagement.

The webinar will provide an overview of a program in Florida utilizing the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system to respond to patients with substance use disorder. In addition to responding to emergency calls for the sick and injured, many EMS agencies across the country have added community paramedics to their ranks whose role is to treat people with chronic disease and lessen their need for emergency ambulance response.

Previous webinars have set the stage for successful reentry and reintegration post-treatment and post-incarceration and provided initial strategies to overcome resource challenges and foster cultural reconnection.

Prior research has found that substance use education programs for youth typically fail because of a lack of student interest since activities did not relate to their actual lives. In order for drug use programs to be effective, they need to be based on the real experiences of youth, which is a principle of harm reduction.

Deflection TTA: South Carolina Sites

Reporting Cycle Summary

FY25Q1 Engagement Activities

Met and corresponded with grantee 2 times between October and December of 2024 on 10/30 and 12/5
Summary of Successes
Met with grantee at PTACC Summit
They have good community buy in for their program
Summary of Challenges
None
Summary of Resources Provided
First Responder Deflection Mentoring Initiative information and application
Summary of Suggestions for further TA/next steps
Continue regularly scheduled TA engagement and coaching

Met and corresponded with grantee 3 times between July and September 2024
Email check in 8/16/24

Email to Alternate Contact 8/20/24

Check in meeting and follow up email 9/19/24

Summary of Successes

Addressed barrier
Lantern Project - After hours support for people with SUD

Partner community Missions converted a formerly unit in their facility to create two beds, along with the staffing and PATH team for people who are waiting to go into treatment.

Going to the legislature with budget to start January 1

FY24 Q4 Engagement Activities

Review the 7-step approach to drug influence and identification which includes pulse, horizontal gaze nystagmus, vertical nystagmus, lack of convergence, pupillary comparison, pupil reaction and Romberg stand. Gain understanding in how the eyes react to drug influence and the effects on the central nervous system. Practice what you have learned using hands-on activities. As a law enforcement or parole/probation officer, you will gain the skills you need to recognize impairment caused by the most abused drugs or alcohol.

• The following activities occurred during this reporting period:
Newly released resources were added to the COSSUP Resource Center, as well as new announcements, funding opportunities, and learning opportunities.