COUNTY WORKS TO ADDRESS DRUG ABUSE ISSUES

The first meeting of the Nevada County Substance Abuse Advisory Board
(NCSAAB) was held on Jan. 14. Judging by the attendance and the media
coverage leading up to the meeting, the issue of substance abuse is
important to many people in Nevada County.

The tragic death of a UPS driver in January, killed in a car accident
allegedly caused by a man with a history of drug use, further emphasizes
the need for strong prevention, treatment and education programs related to
substance abuse.

As you may recall, the NCSAAB was established last fall, through a
resolution by the Board of Supervisors establishing a Substance Abuse
Advisory Board separate from the Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB). Up
until then, substance abuse issues fell under the purview of the MHAB, a
board that was already inundated with mental health treatment issues. The
two boards will still maintain a liaison that addresses overlapping issues
between substance abuse and mental illness.

As a Board of Supervisors-established and appointed advisory board, the
NCSAAB is tasked with reviewing and evaluating the county's substance abuse
needs, services, facilities, and special problems, and advising the Board
of Supervisors and the county executive officer as to any aspect of the
issue of substance abuse in Nevada County. It must also submit an annual
report to the Board of Supervisors on substance abuse in Nevada County,
including recommendations for addressing it, and the adequacy of existing
approaches.

The NCSAAB consists of county staff members from the Behavioral Health
Department, courts, and law enforcement; citizens from the community with
backgrounds in education, senior programs, and substance abuse programs and
services; and someone who has been a consumer of these programs.

The sheriff made a presentation regarding the history, findings, and
recommendations of the Methamphetamine Task Force. One of the biggest
outcomes of this meeting was the creation of three task forces that will
study and make recommendations on education, treatment and enforcement. The
enforcement task force will now take over the activities of the
Methamphetamine Task Force.

You may also recall that the Lovett Recovery Center almost closed its doors
last year due to funding cuts. Upon reviewing the operating costs and
procedures for the center, it was very apparent that the cost of doing
business under the realm of "Nevada County government" was quite
exorbitant. Therefore, as of June 30, the Lovett Recovery Center will be
operated outside of the county's management, perhaps by a nonprofit
organization.

The Save the Lovett Center committee recommended that the county accept
proposals for management of the center. Representatives from the NCSAAB
were selected to serve on a committee that will review the submittals in
response to a request for proposal to manage the Lovett Recovery Center.

Another topic of discussion was how citizens can tackle substance abuse
problems and develop solutions in their neighborhoods. I believe Nevada
County residents can make a huge difference just by paying attention to the
activity in their neighborhood and by looking out for each other,
coordinating Neighborhood Watch programs with law enforcement, providing
activities for at-risk youth, and collaborating to address situations that
are unique to each neighborhood.

The California Department of Justice has just completed a handbook titled
"Effective Anti-Drug Coalitions" that will be available to neighborhood
groups. The Board of Supervisors has agreed to each address substance abuse
issues in their town hall meetings. Again, it must be stressed, if you
notice or suspect drug activity, such as using, manufacturing or selling
methamphetamine in your neighborhood, please take a moment to call the
Sheriff's Narcotics Tip Line at 265-4178, or the Narcotics Investigation
Unit at 478-7987.

Amidst serious public safety budget cuts, together the residents of Nevada
County can tackle this critical problem head-on and make our community a
safer and better place to live, work and raise our children. If you are an
addicted user, please seek help by contacting the Nevada County Department
of Behavioral Health at 265-1437. While we are currently looking at
improving Nevada County programs, the Behavioral Health Department can link
you to support groups, counseling services and other intervention programs
available to you.

Robin Sutherland is a Nevada County supervisor from District 4.