Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association
Substance Abuse Update
Meeting Date: February 1, 2013
Update from David “Wolf” Diaz
Substance Abuse Committee: Eric LaChappa, Mark Romero, David Diaz & Anthony Pico
SCTCA Staff: Denis Turner, Executive Director & Recording Secretary
Guest: Stephanie Spencer
Guest / consultant “Pro Bono”: Bob Hayward
One of our guest at the meeting, Stephanie Spencer the Vice Chairperson for Rincon Reservation shared with us about a book called “Harbinger” the ancient mystery that holds the secret of America’s future. This important information basically states that the further we get away from God as a collective whole that the worst things will get and spiral out of control. The premise is that when man begins to take credit for everything and only relying on self-will we will surly meet our own doom by our own hands. So the importance of bringing the Creator in all of our affairs through prayer and humbly asking for guidance with our challenges is paramount in order to bring solutions to our situations we struggle with such as our Substance and Alcohol Abuse issues on the reservations
The committee was able to look at printed copies of protocols for treatment centers published by SAMHSA and one of them is called the Treatment of Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders. We had further discussions on how they would play a role in the YRTC project in accordance to funding opportunities and incorporating evidence based modalities for insuring the highest success rate at recovery for the youth.
A topic that was also carried over from our last meeting was the “Circle of Care” grant opportunity provided by SAMHSA. This grant provides funding for the actual research and development that it takes to formulate a culturally appropriate program for an American Indian treatment facility. This program gives tribes and urban Indian organizations 3-year grants to identify and analyze community needs systematically. The possibility of “Walk of the Warrior”colaberating on this grant was discussed if it does not create a conflict of interest or compete with an existing organization.
I am sending a proposal to Michelle Prada who is the contact for local charter schools in regards to forming a panel of committee members to speak at an assembly. The topic of this assembly will be inspirational and motivational for our youth.
Substance Abuse Committee Update: 2/1/2013
