SUN programming aims to meet individuals where they are and provide linkages to needed services, even if those services are not substance-use related. Oftentimes, medical and housing needs are a first priority for a person before addressing any substance use needs.
From July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024, the SUN program reached a total of 5,761 individuals in the City and County of Denver. Of that:
- 363 (6%) were directly connected to a needed service or resource
- 986 (17%) were provided a verbal referral to a community resource
- 482 (9%) were follow-up encounters with community members from prior interactions
- 3,930 (68%) remained as informal contacts or touchpoints in the field.
During this reporting period, 40% of SUN’s total outreach—2,328 of the total 5,761 contacts—was conducted with DPD or through co-response.
- Navigators carried out 32% of the year’s outreach independently or with another staff member present, including phone outreach or engagement at encampments without specialized DPD teams but in the presence of other outreach programs and staff.
- 25% of outreach contacts were made with external partners, including 17% with Wellness Winnie, 5% with HOST, and smaller amounts with partners such as the AID Center, Courts, and SET.
The SUN program collectively engaged 363 individuals into treatment services. Of those 363, the program was able to conduct follow-up with 183 (50%) of those engagements to understand the community resources and services being utilized the most.
- Approximately 37% of our total connections to care were made to substance use disorder treatment programs.
- Nearly 19% of our connections were made to shelters. While shelters are not substance-use related services, they provide temporary housing and stability, offering individuals a means to get ready for additional wrap-around services, such as substance use treatment.
- 12% of the program's engagements were made to the emergency department.