December 30, 2019 — With opioid use a stubborn problem across the nation, the California Department of Health Services recently awarded close to $10 million to 55 organizations throughout the state to help connect people to treatment, especially in communities of color.
The Mendocino County AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Network, or MCAVHN, received over $100,000 of that money. Libby Guthrie, the executive director of MCAVHN, expects to strengthen ties with tribal communities and double the number of clean needles that can be exchanged for used ones, which is a key component of the harm reduction program.
She’s also doubled the number of outreach workers to four, allowing for a lot more contact with clients who never make it to the office on Clara Street in Ukiah.
In this interview, we’ll hear from Guthrie about her plans for the new year.