Stockton, CA – San Joaquin County Health Care Services Agency (SJCHCS) Director, Genevieve Valentine, was invited to participate in the “Best Practices for Addiction Treatment in Homelessness Summit” in Washington, D.C., a prestigious invitation-only opportunity to make contributions towards solutions to some of the most complex public health challenges facing communities nationwide.

“This was a surreal experience, said Genevieve Valentine, Director of SJCHCS. “I was able to sit amongst the brightest in our country to discuss addiction and homelessness and how solutions require coordination, compassion, and evidence-based approaches…none of which are one size fits all. This experience was a testament to how innovative solutions for recovery and community healing are possible when we eliminate silos and check egos at the door.”

The White House issued this press release on the summit that met earlier this week, which was convened by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Community Planning and Development, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Office of Addiction Prevention. The purpose of the summit is to establish a national best practice guide for addiction treatment within homelessness and create a tool kit to shape treatment for decades, and San Joaquin County and its integrated healthcare model was at the table.

“Director Valentine’s invitation to this national summit is a testament to her expertise and respect in this space, and to the commitment of the Board of Supervisors to invest in solutions that address the complexities of homelessness,” said Sonny Dhaliwal, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. “Local government is on the front lines of addressing homelessness and behavioral health challenges, and what better voice than Director Valentine’s to contribute to shaping national solutions. We are proud to see our leadership recognized and to contribute to efforts that will have an impact far beyond our County.”

Director Valentine was among a small number of invitees from throughout the nation and was the only representative from San Joaquin County. The national convening brings together leading experts, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience to identify and advance effective strategies for treating addiction and mental illness among people experiencing homelessness.

The best practice guide will be published and made available at a future date.

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