LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A local diversion program hosted its sixth annual community resource event Friday, bringing together more than 160 service providers and dozens of community clients seeking assistance.
L.I.M.A., a diversion program for low-level drug offenders, operates as a partnership between the 8th District Court and law enforcement. The program offers participants rehabilitation instead of incarceration.
The event was held at the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence and designed as a one-stop shop for connecting community providers with one another while giving those in need access to services ranging from healthcare to legal assistance under one roof.
Service providers expand connections
“There are plenty of resources that are here, but it’s hard. It’s very difficult to connect and access those resources. By having everyone together and in one place, we know exactly how to share those resources and it just makes it that much easier ” said Erica Hampton, president of M2LH Business Consulting.
Hampton, who has been in Nevada for 13 years, said her consulting firm offers career development services. Despite more than a decade serving the community, she said she still finds it difficult to navigate available resources at times.
Angel Lash, program coordinator for L.I.M.A., organized Friday’s meeting with her colleagues.
“It provides a plethora of opportunities for people suffering from substance misuse issues, mental health issues, or housing issues to find a resource here in one place,” Lash said.
Expanding services to meet community needs
WestCare Nevada, an established resource provider primarily known for substance abuse behavioral health services, recently expanded their programming to include a father-mentorship program.
“It’s been a struggle to tap into resources that provide services specifically to fathers. So, I’ve already made some connections just today in helping the fathers in our community,” said Irma Mugardichen, director of residential treatment at WestCare Nevada Women and Children’s Campus.
Many participants walked away from the event with critical connections, according to organizers.
“The biggest thing that you can do to help yourself is simply ask,” Hampton said.
The community event is hosted twice a year. The next meeting is scheduled for August 28.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, between 43 to 46 percent of inmates are serving time for drug-related offenses. Thirty-five percent of those inmates have minimal or no prior convictions.
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