Saturday, April 26, 2025
4/26/2025
Mercer County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition DFC Project - The Mercer County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (MCSAPC) will increase community collaboration and reduce substance abuse in Mercer County, WV youth (ages 18 and under). The MCSAPC will accomplish this by providing community education on the dangers of youth substance abuse (alcohol and tobacco); enhancing skills and providing support to youth; and working to change the physical design of common areas to promote youth safety and wellbeing. Mercer County lies at the southern area of West Virginia and according to 2016 Census estimates, there are 60,468 residents. Currently, the median household income is $36,195 (compared to WV’s median of $41,751) and 21.1% of county residents live in poverty. Mercer County consistently ranks in the bottom for economic, health, and well-being factors. The median household income is 33% below the national average. Per capita income is almost 28% lower than the rest of the country. The rate of poverty is 41% greater than the national rate. Alcohol and tobacco use is prevalent. In 2013, Mercer County ranked 6th highest in the state in alcohol-related diagnosis and 8th highest in alcohol dependence diagnosis. Mercer County also ranked 6th highest in the state for chronic liver-cirrhosis. Almost 31% of Mercer County residents report cigarette smoking. Mercer County ranks 30th in state for lung/bronchus/trachea mortality; 4th in the state for chronic obstructive mortality; and 8th in state for cardiovascular disease, all tied to tobacco use. In Mercer County, more area students use cigarettes with less perceived risk of harm; local parents believe alcohol and tobacco are severe problems; and school staff believe they have insufficient resources. In Mercer County, the school attendance rate is 92.8%; graduation rate 83.4%; and dropout rate 1.2%. Additionally, students are disciplined at a higher rate than statewide. To accomplish the goals of increasing community collaboration and reducing substance abuse, we will facilitate a 12-Month Action Plan. To determine the effectiveness of Plan, we have two measurable objectives: (1) Identify local youth substance abuse and mobilize/build capacity [50% increase in coalition member cooperation and coordination] and (2) Implement 12-Month Action Plan to reach all youth across Mercer County [20% decrease in youth tobacco and alcohol use]. The activities to support these goals and objectives include: collect data; host community education events; facilitate workshops to increase youth skills; continue to work with the Princeton Renaissance Project to ensure safe environmental spaces; and create activities for youth that reduce risk. During the grant period, we project serving 2,500 Mercer County, WV youth.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).