Adventist Health - The COVID-19 Pandemic and Substance Abuse

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges for people with substance use disorder and people recovering from addiction around the US. At Adventist Health the goal of helping our community with these challenges remains the same. We are thrilled to bring our addiction treatment program CA Bridge to the Adventist Health Mendocino Coast and have another amazing associate join our team!

Meet Joshua Hoefer, our Substance Use Navigator who joined our Mendocino Coast family in the last few months in partnership with the CA Bridge Program. Adventist Health Mendocino Coast has joined Adventist Health Ukiah Valley and Adventist Health Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits in treating addiction in Mendocino County. The CA Bridge model saves lives, meeting people where they are, making it possible for people who use drugs to get treatment at any hospital—whenever and wherever they need it.

As a Substance Use Navigator, Josh helps members of our community suffering with addiction get the help they need through brief intervention and referral to treatment, offering continued support. Josh is available to meet patients in the ER, patients admitted to the hospital and referrals from the community. When asked what inspires him about his role Josh said, “I chose to become a Substance Use Navigator to support others in reaching their full potential and leaving behind the shame and guilt that comes with addiction and using substances.”

Josh went on to say that, “I continue to be inspired by how Adventist Health and the CA Bridge program are leading the way in addiction treatment in the hospital setting, meeting people where they are and helping them from wherever that may be.”

We are grateful to all the members of our team who make it possible for our community to continue to thrive in health, healing and hope. We welcome Josh into our One Mendocino Adventist Health family! We are so grateful for all the amazing work he is doing!