The first phase of the RRH development consisted of a community-wide needs assessment. To assist in the strategic planning and needs assessment steps, the Mercyhurst University Civic Institute (MCI) was contracted to work with the RRH staff. The MCI is a local agency with substantial history working with local government and non-profits in capacities related to system improvement. In developing the needs assessment, MCI and RRH staff determined that this should be a multi-pronged approach. Information gathered for this step would be collected via surveys, focus groups, interviews, and data collection/analysis.
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Throughout the process, the RRH Needs Assessment team captured a significant amount of information, both qualitative and quantitative, to support the ongoing planning process. Some highlights of participation include over 200 responses to the surveys distributed to target audiences; 119 attendees to the listening session, representing dozens of local agencies and programs; and multiple new contacts made and shared via the process.
Upon completion of the various stages of information gathering, the RRH Needs Assessment team and Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse leadership reviewed materials to identify key findings and develop initial strategic focus areas to address in Phase 2, which will see development of a strategic plan. As a result of these discussion, the following were determined to be the key areas of focus.
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Click on each button for further detail of planned strategic action steps to address each focus area.
The entire Erie County Regional Recovery Hub Needs Assessment Strategic Plan documents can be retrieved by clicking on the following links: