The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Orange County or NCADD-OC has been a leader and partner in reducing alcohol, tobacco, mental illness, and drug use in Orange County for more than 60 years. In that time, the non-profit organization has created new programs and cultivated meaningful relationships within the community. And just like the evolution of their programs, their name has also changed. Now known as Partners4Wellness, the group is dedicated to creating healthier communities for families, youth, school staff, and the people that call Orange County home; that’s why Partners4Wellness is our Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month. We spoke with Health Educator Emily LaBarbera from Partners4Wellness to learn more about this great organization.
AVCC: Tell us about the history and evolution of Partners4Wellness.
Partners4Wellness: We are a non-profit that was established in 1957 and have two facilities located in Lake Forest and Santa Ana. We are immensely proud of the work we’ve done, the educational programs we’ve developed, and the relationships we’ve established in the Orange County community.
While our name is new and our services are enhanced, our organization continues to operate with the same outstanding service, deep expertise, and collaborative approach we’ve delivered since its inception. Partners4Wellness’ prevention department empowers communities to take action. We have a prevention and education department with many projects such as Tobacco Prevention Cessation in South Orange County and our Driving Under The Influence Department. Partners4Wellness is certified by the State of California and the County of Orange to provide the Driving Under The Influence Program for individuals that have been convicted of a DUI. We are one of the very few nonprofits in California offering these services.
AVCC: How has Partners4Wellness been involved with the Aliso Viejo community?
Partners4Wellness: Partners4Wellness has many prevention projects that serve Orange County. Since 2017, Partners4Wellness has partnered with the Orange County Health Care Agency on the Tobacco Prevention & Cessation program which educates middle and high school students in South Orange County about the dangers of tobacco, e-cigarette, and vape use. Our goal is to bring awareness to kids and their parents about the health effects caused by vaping, and how to start a conversation with your child.
Partners4Wellness has also created a webinar and online activities to reduce smoking and vape use among the youth population. Our programs serve schools within the Capistrano Unified School District such as Aliso Niguel High School and Aliso Viejo Middle School as well as other districts located in South Orange County. Partners4Wellness also works with Aliso Viejo tobacco/vape retailers located within a two-mile radius from middle and high schools to ensure they are not selling vape products to minors and are current with California Capistrano Unified School District tobacco and /vape laws.
AVCC: What has your experience been like working in Aliso Viejo?
Partners4Wellness: Partners4Wellness continues to have great relationships with parents, teachers, tobacco/vape retailers and community members within Aliso Viejo. We have established great relationships with principals, teachers and administrators at every school we serve, and make it our goal to keep the community up-to-date on current vaping trends.
The local tobacco/vape retailers within Aliso Viejo go above and beyond to help us decrease youth access to tobacco and ensure they are current with tobacco/vape laws for a healthy community. Our agency provides educational programs that serve all age groups and populations.
AVCC: What do you enjoy most about the Aliso Viejo community?
Partners4Wellness: The Aliso Viejo community continues to remain dear to Partners4Wellness and our mission. We enjoy the closeness of the Aliso Viejo community and how members of the area collectively work together to keep the region going and growing!
AVCC: How has the AV Chamber helped your business?
Partners4Wellness: The AV Chamber has allowed Partners4Wellness to interact with amazing businesses and their colleagues on a personal level. The AV Chamber provides insight and resources on current events, local businesses, and networking opportunities. Through the AV Chamber, Partners4Wellness has been able to elevate their mission and align with our goals in lowering the prevalence of youth vaping in South Orange County.
Partner4Wellness wants to thank everyone for the continued support and the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing group of folks. We have pre-recorded vaping prevention presentations for middle and high school students and parents; if anyone would like to pass those along please feel free to reach out to us!
JOIN THE ALISO VIEJO CHAMBER
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During this time, please let us know if you have any specials or promotions. We would love to help get the word out for you! Please email the information and any flyer that you have to info@alisoviejochamber.com, and we will help with the promotion.