Marijuana Tax Funding Proposal

Marijuana Tax Funding Proposal July 12, 2017 Prepared by the Valley Marijuana Council (VMC) of Garfield County and Glenwood Springs for the City Council of Glenwood Springs PURPOSE With funding from the additional retail and wholesale marijuana tax approved by the residents of Glenwood Springs in April of 2017, $100,000 was designated for VMC recommendations in FY2018. The VMC suggested funds be used for education, prevention and/or treatment of substance abuse and related mental health needs in the community, with a strong tendency toward youth. Continuum of Response to Youth Mental Health and Substance Use (See appendix) This continuum shows the myriad of services and supports along the continuum from promotion of healthy behaviors and prevention through intervention, treatment and aftercare. This model assumes the activities in the Promotion/Prevention column are reaching all youth in the community. Early Intervention happens when youth are screened and those in need of support are identified. Treatment is based on a medical diagnosis and Aftercare includes strategies that both support the youth s reintegration into the community and maintains stability and structure for future success. Not all youth will move through the full continuum. The hope is that the strategies are effective enough at each point to minimize the number of youth needing more intensive supports. It is also important to note that while the prevention/promotion column may reach larger numbers of youth, there is less contact time per youth. As a youth moves through the continuum, the amount of time, effort and funding to support that youth to reach health and wellness increases. Leveraging Other Efforts and Funding It is the VMC s understanding that the City Council would like the VMC to demonstrate effective outcomes from the funding this year and would then entertain an increase in funding for future years. Therefore, the VMC has prepared 2 phases of investment to inform the City Council how this first year of support can contribute to a broader plan. The VMC has also identified other efforts that have aligned goals and will continue to engage leaders to maximize efficiency of Glenwood Springs tax funding and minimize duplication. While a commitment of $100,000 is generous, we must weave this investment into the fabric of other sources to meet the complex and broad needs of the community. COMMUNITIES THAT CARE (CTC): This is a 5-year initiative focusing on prevention of youth mental health and substance use issues. With a commitment to the Glenwood Springs to Aspen region, and utilizing strong researched based strategies, this initiative could provide prevention activities for the GWS community identified in the continuum. Implementation will not start until late 2018 or early 2019. COLLABORATIVE MANAGEMENT GROUP (CMP/IOG): This is a county program funded through state dollars to focus on youth in the judicial system, the child welfare system or involved with substance use. You will see this funding represented by FACET on the attached continuum. This funding is dedicated to the highest needs youth. 1

POSITIVE YOUTH DEVLEOPMENT TASK FORCE THROUGH CCI (PYD): This group has focused on building a culture of restorative justice (RJ) approaches across multiple systems. Restorative Justice approaches to youth substance use will offer the structure for a mental health response to the behavior. Yampah and YouthZone have both secured State grants to build our regional capacity to provide a restorative approach to youth substance use. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS GRANT: RFSD has applied and been awarded funding to pay for a prevention specialist at Glenwood Springs Middle School. In addition, RFSD has funded a full time mental health counselor at Glenwood Springs High School through December of 2017 and is looking for more funding to make this position permanent. Funding Criteria Strategy will focus on Glenwood Springs residents $100,000 in year one with a potential for more funding in future years Reportable, compelling outcomes Strong fiscal management Strategy Youth Mental Health Provider PHASE 1 2018 Garfield County Public Health reported 21% of adults over the age of 18 don t have the social and emotional support they need. Youth are at a much greater disadvantage. Between 50 and 67% of low income youth, youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems and Latino youth can experience mental health issues. Among youth with substance use disorders, 60 to 75 percent also have a cooccuring mental illness. (www.youth.gov/youth-mental-health) Access to mental health professionals within the schools has proved to be an effective strategy in our region. The Roaring Fork School District, Mind Springs Health, The Hope Center and the Roaring Fork School Health Center have collaborated to find funding and professionals for schools in Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. Principals and teachers shared their concerns with the VMC last year about the need for an early identification and response system to youth substance use and mental health needs. As mental health providers (MHP) became embedded in schools, principals and teachers have reported fewer crisis cases. The MHP is able to work with teachers and begin building a relationship with vulnerable youth before that youth needs access to intensive supports. In addition, teachers are learning strategies for helping youth be more successful in school. While there are still youth and families that need ongoing support, many youth are served with even minimal contact with a mental health professional. Local Data Approximately 1100 9 th -12 th graders attend school in Glenwood Springs Alcohol, marijuana and drug use are higher than the state averages. 1/3 of students are drinking alcohol regularly, 22% are using marijuana regularly and 17% are using other types of drugs with the use of prescription drugs without a prescription as the most common Over 1 in 4 students are depressed and 14% have considered suicide Only 47% of youth in our region are Hopeful for their future 2

Only 49% report they have a mentor 68% have participated in an extracurricular activity at school and do not have strong data about out of school time engagement. Of the 20+ youth surveys, almost every youth asked for free rec center access, free bus passes and afterhours access to the library. SOURCES: Colorado Department of Education, Healthy Kids Colorado Survey data through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Gallup Student Poll, student surveys at Yampah HS and YouthZone Research on the risk factors that contribute to youth substance use and mental health issues recommends strategies that build youth skills for addressing family conflict, favorable parental attitudes to substance use, family history of substance use, anti-social behavior and school disengagement. Mental Health Professionals in the school systems are key to this strategy. Strategy Safe and Connected 3 rd Space In addition, Glenwood Springs can contribute to a 3 rd Space for all youth. 3 rd Spaces are those community anchors where citizens of a community congregate and socialize building stewardship of the community. They are often considered to be vital to a healthy community. For youth, their first space is their home and their 2 nd space is their school environment. When home is in conflict and a youth is disengaged from school, a 3 rd space can provide the stability, access to adult mentors and prosocial protective factors that mitigate the impacts of the unhealthy areas of their lives that can lead to mental health and substance use disorders. The Garfield County Library District has offered their community room and patio to this effort and has begun building a coalition of youth development professionals to create a free program for Glenwood Springs youth. By staffing this program with trained professionals, the youth will access to resources and supports while also feeling connected to their community. Cost and Proposed Plan Strategy Cost Design Metrics Youth Mental Health Professional 1 FTE Trauma informed trainings and technical assistance $75K Division of time in middle and high schools in GWS. Will include charter, private and alternative schools Mind Springs Health can provide this service FREE 2-4 trainings will be provided in the community and required for any school or youth program participating in this overall investment plan 2 for teachers and staff of the Number of referrals Number of youth requiring ongoing support End of year report from the therapist and school principals on the impact of the intervention Pre and post surveys of participants in the training End of year report from schools and youth service providers indicating the number of youth 3

3 rd Space access and opportunities participating schools and 2 for youth service providers River Bridge Regional Center could provide this training and support with ongoing technical assistance $25K 1. Garfield County Library District will work with community youth service providers to create a safe space for youth to gather, create and find community in Glenwood Springs. 2. YouthZone will provide marijuana education classes and youth will receive either bus passes or rec center day passes for completing the class. referred to mental health support and any organizational policy changes made after the training Total number of unduplicated youth participating in the program Number of youth connected to ongoing services/resources Track youth participation at the rec center and library since the start of the program Pre and post surveys of youth in the marijuana classes to indicate the increase in understanding. PHASE 2 2019 The Valley Marijuana Council recommends an increase in tax funding designated for mental health and substance use in 2019 and beyond. While the VMC and their partners are continuing to analyze opportunities for improving access to supports without the need for funding, the most critical issues we face in the community require additional professionals and facilities. The VMC commits to working with its partners to review and strengthen the system of response to youth and adult mental health and substance use needs. Research has already begun on innovative approaches showing positive outcomes in other communities around the country. The VMC looks forward to an ongoing relationship with the City Council as you and the community invests in the health and wellness of the citizens of Glenwood Springs. 4

Continuum of Mental Health and Substance Use Programs and Services for Youth Glenwood Springs PROMOTION and PREVENTION Information and Referral: GSHS, GSMS (Family Resource Center), Yampah HS, Mind Springs, YouthZone, St. Stephens School, Garco DHS, Public Health, Mountain Family Health Clinic Family Visitor Programs, Catholic Charities, Law Enforcement, Valley View Hospital (?) Campaigns: Mind Springs, Good To Know Training and Education: School health classes, Primary Care Physicians/clinics, YouthZone, PREP, Fire Department Screenings: Mind Springs (mental health only) YouthZone, Physicians, health clinic, VVH, Therapists, School mental health counselor/social worker Financial Resources: Communities That Care (CTC), bus passes/transportation Protective Factor Promotion: Sports, faith, youth groups, arts, Parenting education, YouthZone PALS, rec center, library, preschool, Peer groups/clubs, internships, CMC, boy scouts, girls scouts, Children of alcoholics groups, Al-Anon, ACOA, Peer mentoring, accessible evening, weekend and summer activities Detox: NONE INTERVENTION Behavioral Health Evaluation & Testing: Mind Springs, YouthZone, School Psychologists,Psychiatrists (Dr. Bushong), Physicians Crisis Services: Aspen Hope Center,Mind Springs YouthZone, VVH, First Responders (police, firefighters, EMT) Assessment and Referral: ****** Mind Springs, FACET, YouthZone Doctors, Mountain Family Health Clinics, Hope Center Legal Resources: Alpine Legal, YouthZone, DA Crisis Host Homes NONE Financial Resources FACET, FRC, VOCA (victim of crime ) Medicaid, A Way Out, Private Health Insurance, ACF mental health fund and emergency assistance fund Case management: School Social workers, DHS Case Management, YouthZone Case management, Family Resource Center family liasons TREATMENT & ON-GOING SERVICES INPATIENT with insurance, court sent West Springs Hospital; Transitions/Stabilization Unit (GJ) YRC Rehabilitation - VVH OUTPATIENT Services supporting mental health and substance use disorder outside of hospitalization: Counseling Services: Mind Springs, Private Therapists only a few take Medicaid, YouthZone, Aspen Hope Center (mental health), Seeking Safety Medication Management: Dr. Bushong Mind Springs-Child Psychiatrist Intensive Outpatient: NONE Integrated Care/Care: FACET AFTERCARE Support Groups/ Peer and Community Support: AA/NA Case Management: Stabilization Services: Promotion of Healthy Conditions: Point of sale education City ordinances to manage MJ sales and locations Parent Engagement: Access to Care: Peer Counseling: AA, NA Access to Care: School mental health grants Note: Areas in yellow have been identified as priorities where there is little to no resources. Other areas will be analyzed in more detail to determine scope. 5