MP5 - Leveraging Community Partnerships to Enhance Recovery Opportunity

Innovative approaches to address the substance misuse epidemic which coordinates efforts of multiple stakeholders are needed. In Tucson the Deflection Program models a coordinated effort led by law enforcement partnering with integrated physical and behavioral health, united in their goal to reduce substance misuse and deaths within Pima County, Arizona. As implementation of the coordinated response progressed it became evident that differences in the operations, mission and core beliefs of the partners presented barriers impeding the best outcomes. This presentation addresses the actions taken to create a common mission, common language, and vision to maximize the potential of the partnership.