Written by Director of Strategic Partnerships Molly Peterson
In September, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona hosted the final of four Hope Horizons Institutes across Arizona, the last one being held in Sierra Vista. Tailored to the unique needs of Cochise County, this event provided a platform for healthcare providers, child protection caseworkers, home visitors, CASAs, behavioral health providers, and community leaders to learn about and collaborate on topics related to trauma, neuroscience, substance use, and family support.
A key highlight was Dr. Alana Brunacini’s engaging presentation on prenatal substance exposure. Attendees were impressed by her deep knowledge and ability to explain complex concepts in an accessible way.
“Prenatal substance exposure is an emotional and stigmatized topic," Dr. Brunacini shared. "Cochise County hosting the Hope Horizons event is an important step in providing the best possible care and support for families affected by substance use. Being a rural county, we are isolated and lack vital resources for kids and families; much of our specialty care for children is outsourced to Tucson or even Phoenix. What we lack in certain resources, we make up for in the dedication, passion, and commitment of our community providers. Community collaboration is integral for our local work in breaking generational trauma cycles, reducing stigma, keeping families together, and preventing child abuse.”
The Sierra Vista event brought together 50 attendees, 70% of whom were from Cochise County. Participants also included representatives from statewide agencies, Pima County, Graham County, Santa Cruz County, and Tribal Nations. One attendee expressed gratitude for bringing the event to the area, saying, “I appreciated bringing information to our area that we wouldn’t otherwise know.”
In a region that often lacks access to such events, the Sierra Vista Hope Horizons provided an invaluable opportunity for community members to gain insights, build networks, and strengthen their capacity to support families. This event underscored the importance of local collaboration in addressing the complex issues surrounding trauma and substance use in rural communities.
Hope Horizons was made possible due to investment from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). The four events reached Lake Havasu, Yuma, Glendale, and Sierra Vista in a statewide effort to enhance the way that Arizona supports families during the perinatal period, particularly families with substance use challenges. The connections forged and information learned will continue to build and ripple across these communities.
