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Reach Out presents MAT, youth leadership and harm-reduction plans for 29 Palms
Summary
Reach Out Yuca Valley described a local package of prevention and treatment programs including a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, a youth leadership academy and expanded Narcan distribution; the group said it will pilot mobile showers and a naloxone vending pilot in 29 Palms and is seeking partnerships and local funding support.
Reach Out Yuca Valley representatives on the Morongo Basin Coalition briefed the Twentynine Palms City Council on a set of prevention and treatment initiatives designed for the city and surrounding communities. Program manager Krie Kish and outreach specialist Victoria Bordon outlined an evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program paired with counseling and a youth leadership academy for 13-to-17-year-olds.
Kish said MAT enrollment focuses on people who are homeless or on probation and that treatment plans are individualized. "The medications are adjusted to meet the person's needs," Kish said, describing MAT as an "integral part of comprehensive programs" that reduces overdose risk and rehospitalization. Reach Out also discussed environmental prevention work: retail compliance scans (alcohol, tobacco, vape), Narcan/Naloxone distribution and community training.
The presenters said the group recently received a shipment they identified as roughly 2,400 naloxone units and reported broad distribution efforts, including Narcan trainings at the Marine Corps base. "We want to reduce the number of deaths that are preventable," the presenters said while describing an outreach plan that includes mobile showers in partnership with local businesses, bus passes for program participants and an incentive store stocked with small items to reward treatment milestones.
The nut graf: City officials asked about local implementation details and funding. Council members were told Reach Out partners with regional health providers and law-enforcement partners for compliance checks and that the organization can supply nonpaid interns and flexible program formats (from one-week intensives to five-week sessions). The group requested help identifying local partners for volunteer guest speakers and potential funding sources to expand the youth leadership academy Morongo-basinwide.
In response to follow-up questions, Reach Out said it has existing partnerships with area schools and behavioral-health providers; it suggested the city could support the initiatives by connecting staff and community groups and by helping identify small grants or in-kind contributions (meeting space, volunteer lists). The presenters provided contact information and offered to accept referrals from city staff and partners.
Council next steps: no formal city action was required at the meeting; councilmembers thanked the presenters and invited further conversation about local collaborations and funding opportunities.
