Item 5. Sobering Center Presentation — original pdf

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#TheSoberingCenter #BeSafeBeSoberATX Mission of the Austin/Travis County Sobering Center The Sobering Center enhances public health and safety by providing a safe place for publicly intoxicated individuals to sober up as an alternative to the emergency room or jail and, where appropriate, to provide a bridge to recovery. Numbers Served The Sobering Center has performed more than 16,000 intakes since its inception. Sobering Center of Austin • No jail or emergency room • No citations, fines, or medical bills • No cost for Sobering Center services • Open 24 hours/7 days a week • Complete confidentiality o We do not notify anyone of a client’s admission into the center without consent or subpoena • Connection to community resources and other services • Assistance with coordinating transportation home Admission Criteria • 18 years or older • Suspected alcohol or drug intoxication • No evidence of acute head injury • No untreated lacerations • No seizure within the last 24 hours • No acute gastrointestinal bleeding • Suicidal/homicidal ideation cleared by a MH professional Client is referred/ transported to the Sobering Center by Law Enforcement, EMS or other referral partner NO P.I. CITATION NO FINES Intake Medics do a screening to ensure it’s safe for the client to sober up in our facility Recovery Support Specialists monitor the client and continue to assess their needs SBIRT Counselors conduct an assessment used to link a client to the appropriate community resources How it Started • Founded in 2018 through City/County ILA • Building from County, Operating funds from City • New ILA signed 2024 How it’s Going • Law Enforcement and EMS no longer the only paths to the Sobering Center • Patients are now able to ‘hold over’ for services • Bridge Meds How it’s Going • 2nd Floor Expansion • Medical Director Transition • Central Health Integration National Recognition • IACP Toolkit and Case Study • National Sobering Collaborative • Model for Excellence Strategic Plan Snapshot 2023-2027 VISION We envision a safe and responsible community where substance use is a public health issue that is not criminalized, recovery is supported through early identification, and treatment is accessible when possible. OPERATIO NS Facilities Services Staffing GOALS VALUES Compassion Harm Reduction Advocacy Integrity Respect 1) Maximize the use of the Sobering Center as a first line response to intoxication 2) Develop into an essential community hub for a more integrated system of care 3) Foster a sustainable model for service delivery and access that responds to evolving community needs 4) Lead as a center of excellence and innovation locally and nationally VISIBILITY & ADVOCACY FUNDING MISSION We enhance public health and safety by providing a safe place for publicly intoxicated individuals to sober up as an alternative to the emergency room or jail and, where appropriate, to provide a bridge to recovery. Questions? Laura Elmore LeBlanc, LMSW-AP, Chief Executive Officer lelmore@soberingcenter.org www.SoberingCenter.org 512-957-1900 @SoberingCenterAustin @SoberingCenter @SoberingCenterAustin