The community action center (CAC) is requesting CDS funds to place a substance abuse funds to place a substance abuse disorder (SUD) support specialist in a local high school

The area learning center (ALC) in the rural town of northfield, MN needs a new program to 1) prevent the onset of illegal drug use and 2) reduce barriers to high quality, effective treatment and recovery services. ALC director daryl kehler estimates that 20-25 of the 137 students at the ALC, an alternative-curriculum high school, use illicit substances daily. Unfortunately, conventional clinical treatment programs have proven ineffective. The number of students willing to work with the ALC S current clinical partner has dwindled to zero, leaving a GAP between students in need of clinical services.CAC plans to bridge this GAP. CDS funding will allow US to hire a full-time, youth-focused SUD recovery specialist. Building on CAC S successful SUD recovery services for adults, and an existing presence at the ALC, this staff staff member will offer trauma-responsive relational support and referrals to clinical and social services. With CDS funding, CAC can reach an often-overlooked, at-risk population.