San Luis Valley Community Pathway

The purpose of the SLV Community Pathway is to provide a non-arrest, community partner pathway to connect addicted individuals to intensive case management and harm reduction resources using an evidence-based Specialized Case Management model. The City of Alamosa is creating a system of care that will allow individuals to receive appropriate levels of service and treatment to address root challenges rather than utilizing a criminal justice system clearly not equipped to address Substance Use Disorder effectively. Currently, the City is entering into the third year of Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) implementation. The current LEAD initiative is providing access to some of those most in need of service coordination and treatment through two Law Enforcement initiated pathways. However, the proposed SLV Community Pathway will provide a third pathway into intensive case management, service coordination, access to treatment and connection to harm reduction resources. The project includes many partnerships. The primary partners for implementation of the project include the City of Alamosa, Center for Restorative Programs, and the 12th Judicial District Office of the District Attorney. Priority considerations addressed in this application include: disproportionate impact of opioids and other substances on the region, the specific challenges faced by rural communities, and the high poverty area served by the project. The University of Denver Colorado, Criminal Justice Research Initiative serves as the evaluator for this project.