Norman Alcohol Information Center, dba The Virtue Center

PROJECT PURPOSE

To meet the growing need for services related to substance use disorders and mental health challenges, we are working to expand the services offered by The Virtue Center by through a state certification for mental health in addition to our current state certification for substance use disorders. This will allow us to provide expanded services to our client's family members and the community as a whole. Our current funding does not allow for mental health services for the family unless the loved one with the substance use disorder is also receiving services. In addition, we will be attaining a national accreditation to increase our service capacity. The Virtue Center will be able to add another therapist focused on mental health issues. We will be able to establish funding for our sliding fee scale which allows people to access services and pay based on their income. This sliding fee scale is currently not funded, and we do not refuse services based on inability to pay.

EVIDENCE

The Virtue Center utilizes evidence-based treatment programs which include the Matrix Model. The protocols were developed and evaluated with funding from National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Center on Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), and National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA). They include extensive assessment strategies, treatment placement guidelines, outpatient detoxification regimens, and structured outpatient options. This approach allows for maximal utilization of effective outpatient treatment methods. The Virtue Center incorporates a number of NIDA- recognized evidenced-based practices, including group and individual counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, voluntary drug screening, trauma informed treatment and quick access to services.??

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

?The impact of the pandemic on substance use disorders and mental health issues will be a long-term problem negatively affecting all people in central Oklahoma and the state. ?At The Virtue Center:? Clients are struggling with more mental health issues that must be addressed in individual and group therapy sessions.??? Grief over loss of employment and /or death of loved one plus isolation has led to problem use and mental health issues. Clients are reporting symptoms of trauma at higher level. Clients in long term recovery are coming back for services. Isolation has led to mental health issues and triggered their post traumatic stress disorder. Clients new to recovery have had a difficult time connecting and engaging in recovery.??? Diminished opportunities to volunteer and engage in the community negatively impacted clients.??? ?55% of clients fall below the Federal Poverty Line and another 34% live just above it. While we serve adolescents, adults and families, The Virtue Center is required by the state to give preference to the following groups in the order listed: Pregnant injecting drug users, pregnant substance abusers, Injecting drug users, persons with HIV/AIDS, women with dependent children and minorities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Inputs:? Provide outpatient treatment and education services to people facing addiction and mental health services.??? Output:?? More than double the number of people served annually from 2000 to 5000? Initial Outcomes:? 80% of clients surveyed will understand addiction and mental health and its impact on the family.?? 80% of clients surveyed will developing coping skills to enhance their recovery.?? Intermediate Outcomes:? 80% of clients surveyed will report an elimination or reduction of substance use and/or mental health challenges. Long-term Outcomes:? 80% of clients surveyed will report positive changes in their lives; improved family relationships; and maintain or return to employment or school.??? ?

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding