The California Youth Opioid Response (YOR California) project envisions a California in which youth with opioid and stimulant disorders can access a continuum of effective youth-specific prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery services. With this goal in mind, YOR California is working with local communities, service providers, and other stakeholders to prevent and reduce opioid and stimulant misuse, use disorders, and overdose deaths among youth (ages 12-24).
The YOR California has identified key principles for successful outcomes, and the project offers the following resources to help make this a reality:
Grants. The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) allocated $11 million in 2019 and another $11 million in 2021 to expand access to improved services for youth ages 12-24. Grants include funds for outreach, partnership and capacity building, screening, direct medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other evidence-based treatment and recovery support strategies. These grants are funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) State Opioid Response (SOR) service grant received by DHCS.
Professional Resources. YOR California identifies protocols, guidelines, toolkits, and other relevant resources that help improve delivery of effective services for youth with opioid and stimulant use disorders.
Educational Materials. YOR California posts resources and materials that have been developed for youth, families, and communities on the risks of opioid and stimulant use and other relevant topics.
Partnerships and Convenings. YOR California is committed to working across systems touching youth bringing together stakeholders for statewide peer-to-peer learning and discussion of best practices.
