L.A. CADA's Juan Navarro reappointed to county commission

DOWNEY – Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn reappointed Downey resident and executive director of the Los Angeles Centers of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) Juan Navarro to the county's Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs last week.

The commission, coordinated by the Department of Public Health, advises the supervisors with the goal of reducing the negative impacts of substance abuse.

Navarro was appointed executive director of L.A. CADA in 2013 after 26 years as the agency’s Deputy Director of Finance & Operations.

Under his leadership, L.A. CADA has elevated the agency’s emphasis on strong community relationships, instituting new partnerships with the office of the Fourth Supervisorial District, L.A. County healthcare providers, justice systems, and social service agencies, as well as the United States Probation Office and the U.S. Department of Health Services' Mental Health Services Administration.

"Juan has devoted his career to tackling the heartbreaking impact that drug and alcohol abuse have on families and communities. He leads with innovation and with a lot of heart, which is exactly the type of leader we need on this commission," said Hahn. "I'm grateful for his commitment not only to expanding the work of L.A. CADA, but to deepening and diversifying it as well. He shares our dedication to serving our most vulnerable residents."

Navarro holds expertise in behavioral healthcare development and administration for high-risk populations. He has developed comprehensive care for criminal offenders, substance users living with/at-risk for HIV, persons of color, the LBGTQIA+ community, as well as the persons experiencing homelessness.

L.A. CADA services provide: 124 state-licensed treatment beds for adults and 332 Recovery Bridge Housing beds for homeless adults delivered at 31 sites in Los Angeles County.

"I am proud to represent the Fourth Supervisorial District Office on the L.A. County Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs through this new appointment as a commissioner. Supervisor Hahn has consistently maintained a strong focus on the health of our residents, with a focus on newly emerging issues such as historic mental health system transformation and achievement of greater equity in service access," said Navarro.

"It's my honor as CEO of Los Angeles Centers on Alcohol and Drug Abuse to work with Supervisor Hahn, other County Supervisors, and my fellow Commissioners to continue to improve L.A. County behavioral health services through landmark programs such as new behavioral healthcare housing and treatment settings."