Local Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Use (LACADA)

LACADA is a group of concerned citizens and professionals who provide input on policy and program needs.  Members also identify priorities in Somerset County for the comprehensive treatment, education, and promotion of public awareness of substance use disorders.

Purpose

  • Provide input on development, funding, and provision of substance use disorder services.
  • Serve as the coordinating body in the development of a plan embracing all areas of substance use disorder service delivery for the County.
  • Provide a forum to foster communication, education, and information concerning substance use disorders.

Function

  • Identify needs in the substance use disorder service delivery system utilizing recommendations of the providers advisory group, to insure that targeted populations receive quality services in the most cost effective manner.
  • Assist in developing a comprehensive plan for substance use disorder services for the county.
  • Recommend substance use disorder service priorities.
  • Review, evaluate, and recommend proposals for the establishment of substance use disorder education, prevention, and treatment service programs.
  • Recommend the amount of Federal and State Funds to be allocated for substance use disorder services.
  • Recommend policies and funding allocations for Municipal Alliance Committees to help prevent substance use disorders.

Members

The council is composed of 10 to 16 members, who are appointed by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners and represent socioeconomic, racial. and ethnic groups.  The council is comprised of individuals, including recovering persons, and a wide range of public and private organizations. 

Subcommittees of LACADA

  • County Alliance Steering Sub-Committee
  • Planning Sub-Committee
  • Proposal Review Sub-Committee
  • Prevention Steering Sub-Committee
  • Program Monitoring Sub-Committee
  • Co-Occurring Disorders Sub-Committee

County Alliance Steering Subcommittee (CASS)

CASS  is an advisory arm of the Local Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Drug Use (LACADA).  Members coordinate Somerset County’s efforts to combat substance use disorders through prevention, intervention, and education.

Functions

  • Develop a County Alliance Plan for the expenditure of funds derived from "the Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Funds."
  • Coordinate projects with municipalities to assure cost effectiveness and avoid fragmentation and duplication.
  • Develop and recommend programs and fiscal guidelines for the awarding of funds to municipalities for drug and alcohol alliance activities.

Members

Up to 12 members are appointed by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners.  Membership includes private citizens and representatives of local agencies, organizations, schools, law enforcement, and government.

Providers Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Use (PACADA) 

PACADA is a sub-committee under the Local Advisory on Alcohol and Drug Use (LACADA). PACADA serves as a committee of volunteer substance use disorder service providers that advises and assists LACADA in the planning  priorities for the organization and delivery of substance use services for Somerset County residents as it pertains to prevention, early intervention, access to treatment and recovery support services. As of January 2019, PACADA and PAC merged to fully integrate mental health and substance use.

Meeting Schedule

LACADA, CASS, and PACADA meet jointly at 9:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Somerset County Department of Human Services in Somerville. Please direct inquiries to Addiction Services Coordinator, Ebeny J. Torres at etorres@co.somerset.nj.us.