You’ve probably heard the age-old adage that it takes a village to raise a child, meaning that the involvement of several members of a community is vital to a child’s development and wellbeing.
The same can be said for substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. We know it takes a community to help people avoid and overcome substance use disorders.
Discover how community engagement contributes to improved outcomes and the role of local partnerships in ASAC’s work throughout Eastern Iowa.
The Power of Partnerships
Bringing together groups, businesses, and nonprofits leverages skills, knowledge, and resources while allowing for more diverse viewpoints. This fosters an environment where people can get better and communities can become safer and healthier.
A 2023 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report found that community engagement is a critical factor in increasing equity and contributes to improvements in population health.
There are several keys to building strong community partnerships:
- Transparency & Trust
- Planning & Preparation
- Inclusion & Demographic Diversity
- Establishing a Shared Purpose
- Tangible Action & Impact
Broadening visibility makes issues more relatable, more human. It also allows for more education: whether it’s combatting and correcting old terminology—like addict to patient and rehab to treatment and recovery—or talking about the role of services in addressing substance use disorders.
Some of Our Key Partnerships
With 14 locations across seven counties in Eastern Iowa, ASAC frequently partners with and benefits from other community groups, service organizations, and even businesses. These partnerships are vital to our workplace, school, and youth services. Whether it’s hosting an event, receiving monetary support, or offering expanded resources to citizens and patients—like free NARCAN and training—working together makes us stronger.
We’re fortunate to work with and receive support from organizations like the United Ways of East Central Iowa, Dubuque Area Tri-States, and Clinton County along with local businesses.
Over the years, we’ve partnered with a variety of organizations, including:
- Foundation 2
- Dubuque County Jail
- Healthy Delaware County Coalition
- Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition
- Vinton Shellsburg Iowa Students for Tobacco Education and Prevention (ISTEP)
- Speak Out Against Suicide
The above is just a small sample of our outreach and partnership efforts. We know everyone has a stake in making our communities better places to live. Experience, research, and our work prove:
Community engagement makes the difference toward improving lives and strengthening communities while changing narratives regarding substance use.
Interested in partnering with ASAC? Just call 319-390-4611 or info@asac.us.