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Board hears data showing a large treatment gap for substance‑use services in Napa County
Summary
Staff presented DMC‑ODS context and county metrics showing low Medi‑Cal penetration and lower treatment initiation in Napa County versus statewide averages, and outlined outreach, telehealth and low‑threshold strategies to improve engagement.
At the March 11 meeting, Napa County staff presented metrics illustrating a persistent treatment gap for substance use disorders. Janelle Samansky reported that roughly 17% of Americans have a substance use disorder while about 6% receive treatment; among Medi‑Cal recipients, the statewide penetration rate is 1.7% compared with 1.9% in Napa County. She also said treatment initiation rates are 36.6% statewide and 29.1% in the county, highlighting a need to improve timeliness of engagement.
Staff framed these data as the rationale for expanding outreach and reducing barriers. Proposed interventions include field‑based engagement, targeted outreach, motivational interviewing, harm‑reduction approaches, integrated behavioral health services, telehealth, evening hours and services at shelters, transitional housing, residential programs and recovery residences.
