A study focusing on public concerns about methamphetamine in the San Joaquin Valley recommends next steps to address issues of education, prevention, treatment and recovery goals throughout the region.

“Local Solutions to Regional Issues: A Report from the Methamphetamine Recovery Project,” was prepared for the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley by the Central California Social Welfare Evaluation, Research and Training (SWERT) Center at California State University, Fresno. The public-private partnership was created by the governor’s office to focus on improving the region’s economic vitality and quality of life.

The report is based on outcomes of public forums held throughout the San Joaquin Valley in which 758 people participated. The report highlights community-specific efforts already in place and describes what programs, legislation and policies are needed to support a comprehensive approach to methamphetamine addiction and other forms of substance abuse.

The priorities for next steps identified by Valley residents are:

  • Expand public drug awareness and education activities, particularly early in life.
  • Expand the availability of residential treatment, especially for vulnerable and at-risk populations.
  • Initiate a system of consistent, comprehensive, publicly funded recovery services.
  • Engage and mobilize Valley residents to address the threat of methamphetamine and other forms of substance abuse in their communities.

“This report represents evidence of a regional consensus of what works, what doesn’t work and what is needed if the Valley to confront and reduce the effects of methamphetamine and other substances,” said Dr. Virginia Rondero Hernandez, faculty researcher for the SWERT Center.

The report also describes the social and economic context of the region and the legacy of long-standing methamphetamine production and abuse in the Valley.

The report was prepared by the center with funding provided through a $150,000 seed grant from the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and with support from the Central California Area Social Services Consortium.

For additional information about the report, contact Juanita Fiorello at 559.294.9772 or jfiorello@csufresno.edu.

Related links:
Methamphetamine Recovery Project report (pdf)
Health and Human Services component of the Partnership

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