Laserfiche WebLink
Public Intoxication and Substance Abuse Enforcement <br />August 15, 2023 <br />Page 3 <br />3 <br />6 <br />7 <br />3 <br />impairment, or concerns for their safety or the safety of others may warrant an arrest as <br />the most appropriate response. <br />Substance Abuse Treatment and Processing <br />The proposed provision of substance-abuse treatment information and collaboration <br />with CalOptima signifies a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex issue of <br />substance abuse within Santa Ana. By offering detained individuals information on <br />available treatment services before their release, the City Council recognizes the <br />importance of connecting individuals with appropriate resources to facilitate their <br />recovery journey. <br />The collaboration with CalOptima, a county-operated health plan that serves vulnerable <br />populations, enhances the effectiveness of this proposal. CalOptima's expertise in <br />healthcare access and coverage aligns with ensuring that individuals needing <br />substance-abuse treatment can access the appropriate services. Specifically, <br />CalOptima can be pivotal in facilitating insurance registration for detainees before their <br />release. <br />Medical Staff at the Santa Ana Jail <br />Arrestees who are intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance may <br />exhibit a range of physical and mental health conditions, including but not limited to <br />chronic illnesses, withdrawal symptoms, or severe intoxication-related issues. Our <br />primary concern is ensuring that individuals are not at risk due to a lack of appropriate <br />medical assessment and care. <br />The proposal to explore the feasibility of providing necessary medical staff at the Santa <br />Ana Jail addresses the potential challenges associated with individuals in custody who <br />require medical attention due to substance abuse-related issues. While this measure <br />intends to reduce reliance on hospital emergency rooms for non-emergency medical <br />needs, it is important to note that the Santa Ana Jail environment may pose limitations <br />in providing comprehensive medical clearance and care. <br />City and county jails are primarily designed to detain individuals who have been <br />arrested and are awaiting trial or sentencing. While they may have basic medical <br />facilities and staff to address general health needs, jails' medical capabilities are <br />typically limited compared to full-service medical facilities such as hospitals. Substance <br />abuse-related issues can encompass various medical complexities, including <br />withdrawal symptoms, underlying health conditions exacerbated by substance abuse, <br />and potential overdose situations. <br />In cases where individuals require more specialized medical attention, such as medical <br />clearance for detoxification or evaluation for potential psychiatric concerns, the facilities