Strategic Initiatives Unit

The Deflection Mentoring Initiative provides communities interested in starting deflection programs the opportunity to learn from established or innovative programs that have shown success in meeting the treatment needs of individuals with a substance use disorder, and in some cases an overdose. During site visits, mentors will provide opportunities for observation and peer-to-peer exchanges, including opportunities to observe the law enforcement/first responder diversion or referral program in action and allowing mentee sites to engage with program personnel.

The Deflection Mentoring Initiative provides communities interested in starting deflection programs the opportunity to learn from established or innovative programs that have shown success in meeting the treatment needs of individuals with a substance use disorder, and in some cases an overdose. During site visits, mentors will provide opportunities for observation and peer-to-peer exchanges, including opportunities to observe the law enforcement/first responder diversion or referral program in action and allowing mentee sites to engage with program personnel.

FY24 Qtr3 Deflection TTA: Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Office, LA Summary
Corresponded with grantee 8 times between April and June 2024 on April 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 15, May 3, and June 4. (mentee meeting)
Summary of Successes: Accepted into the mentee program,
Summary of Challenges: wanting to expand their program both in the jail and the pre arrest part of the program

FY24 Qtr 23 Deflection TTA Rice Co, MN Report Cycle Summary

Corresponded with grantee 2 times between April and June 2024 on 4/9 and 5/23, in addition to invites to participate in grantee cohort calls

FY24 Qtr 2 Deflection TTA Rice Co, MN Report Cycle Summary

TA Request and presentation: FY23 grantee Northampton, Massachusetts has requested CHJ's attendance at a community convening on March 20th, 2024 where they will be launching their community response deflection pathway and providing educational opportunities to attendees to learn about their new and existing deflection programs and substance use disorders in general. Onsite training from CHJ would include a panel presentation on an overview of the six pathways of deflection, a perspective from a national level and a discussion of deflection in Massachusetts.

Request received through COSSUP TTA Request Portal: "Hello- I am representing a client that is interested in funding opportunities. I would love to connect with someone to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and ways in which the client might apply. They are a 501c3. Specifically, u would love to know which grant would best align with their mission and what types of community partnerships they might want to focus on.

Requestor was connected with CHJ by a EMS Chief in North Carolina. The request is below, emailed 12/12/23

Met with Marathon Co

1/5 provided example policies for post-overdose outreach programs and other resources/suggestions:

FY24 Qtr2 Deflection TTA: Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Office, LA Summary
Corresponded with grantee 8 times between January and March 2024 on January 23 25, and 31, February 14, and March 11, 18, 22, 26
Summary of Successes: Requested information for the Mentor program to improve their program, working on continued learning (wanted information on relevant conferences.)
Summary of Challenges: getting used to the reporting required by COSSUP and understanding the necessary metrics.