DANNY CONTRERAS

currently works for the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency as the Health Services Manager. He oversees the Medication Assisted Treatment program (MAT) at all county clinics. Danny was the recipient of the 2017 County of Santa Cruz Gold award for being the key contributor to the development of protocols, procedures, forms, workflows, and implementing the Medication Assisted Treatment program at all county clinics which has had a county and statewide impact. He has over 30 years of lived experience coupled with a B.S in psychology, AA in social and behavioral science, multiple certificates in drug and alcohol counseling and human services with high honors. Holds current SUDCC III-CS, Certified Drug and Alcohol counselor through CADTP.

Danny teaches at the local police academy to future officers on character, stigma, drug addiction, stereotypes, providing trauma informed care and harm reduction services. There is a saying that says “Hurt people, hurt people but Healed people HEAL people!” Danny today, is in a place where his past experience and education puts him in a unique position to help people on their journey too healing. He is an advocate and a voice for those who cannot be heard, to get the services they need.

Presentation topics include:
– At-risk youth
– Incarceration
– Re-entry
– Gangs
– Addiction
– Implementing MAT
– Leadership
– Outreach
– Prevention
– Intervention
– Homelessness