In 2002, the Coalition’s Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force was selected to partner with Join Together, a national resource for communities taking action against substance use, for their DEMAND TREATMENT! Initiative.
The Initiative’s mission was to increase the number of people who received treatment for substance abuse and dependency problems. The Coalition received a $60,000 grant and technical support from Join Together to expand continuing education programs that teach screening, intervention, and referral techniques to area physicians, human service providers, and patient advocates.
A significant component of the DEMAND TREATMENT! Initiative in Genesee County was the support of Greater Flint Project Vox, a program designed to give a greater voice to people who are alcohol or drug dependent through special projects such as Soberfest and Recovery Walk. Thanks to help from DEMAND TREATMENT!, the group was able to take its program to the next level by developing its organizational structure and preparing a strategic plan.
Although the DEMAND TREATMENT! Program formally concluded in 2007, Project VOX continues. Changes in our area’s screening and referral protocols, as well as heightened awareness of the long-lasting health impact of alcohol and substance abuse, will yield benefits for our community well into the future.