Issue Briefing: Ventura County Social Host Ordinance Impact Evaluation: Phase 1 Findings

In 2004, Ventura County was one of 13 counties in California elected for a three year State Incentive Grant based on the ability to effectively plan and use science-based, environmental strategies to attain measurable outcomes related to binge drinking prevention. A significant accomplishment was the passage and implementation of a Countywide Social Host Ordinance within each of the 10 municipalities comprising Ventura County.

Report 03: Alcohol Use Among Community College Students

In response to documented high rates of binge-level drinking among youth locally and a growing public concern over the impact of alcohol on the lives of young people in Ventura County, the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department established a county–wide community partnership aimed at preventing and reducing underage and binge drinking through responsible alcohol policies and practices. While extensive research is available regarding drinking and its consequences among college students attending traditional four-year institutions, surprisingly little data exist regarding the prevalence of drinking among college students.

Ventura County Behavioral Health, Alcohol and Drug Programs, Adult Services

Ventura County Alcohol & Drug Programs offer a range of outpatient treatment services designed to help individuals coping with a substance use disorder. Our services include screening, crisis intervention, individual, group and family counseling, HIV education, assessment and evaluation, referrals to community based services, and outreach to the community. Our programs serve the entire county, with clinics located in Oxnard, Ventura and Simi Valley. Specialized programs provide services for persons who have been dually diagnosed with substance use and mental health problems.

Ventura County Behavioral Health, Alcohol and Drug Programs, Youth Services

"One of the best feelings is having kids who come from rock bottom start to move to new levels of understanding, and then say "thank you" for helping them on the path to recovery."
- John Rivera, Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Treatment Specialist

Ventura County Behavioral Health, Alcohol and Drug Programs, Youth Services provides a broad range of services for alcohol and drug-related problems which include prevention services, assessment, treatment, driving under the influence (DUI), crisis intervention and referral services to youth and families. Our programs are county-wide, with clinics located in Oxnard, Ventura, Simi Valley and Fillmore. Services consist of school programs, specialty court programs, and clinics serving the general community. Referrals to our programs come through families, school counselors, teachers, community-based organizations, mental health providers, probation and more.

Ventura County California Healthy Kids Survey Update 2009-10

In 2009-10, over 70% of Ventura County students in 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grade (over 32,000 out of 44,022) took the voluntary California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS). This update presents a snapshot of what kids are saying about: School & Community, Alcohol & Other Drugs, Health & Tobacco, and Safety & Bullying.