The state of Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Adult, Aging and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS) Prevention Section proposes to address substance use prevention priorities, in the SP-18-008 (PFS) initiative: underage drinking other drug use priorities. By collaborating with various state agencies and community level groups and implementing various strategies, it is believed a reduction will result from the strategic efforts made. DAABHS Prevention strategies and interventions will include awareness/promotion, education, enforcement, environmental and evidence-based approaches.
Arkansas SPF-PFS previously served youth/adolescents aged 12-25 residing in counties with high prevalence rates of substance abuse, especially in underage drinking and prescription drug misuse. The currently proposed project is an application of “lessons learned” from its predecessor, in terms of operational structure and model of operations. That includes elements such as consolidating award-supported prevention operations (from the current 36 distributed throughout the state, to 13 organizations as Regional Lead Agencies, 1 per prevention region). Related to that consolidation is the fact that Regional Lead Agencies will be required to set a prevention priority/goals in addition to the FOA-specified priority on underage alcohol use. These focal areas will be region-specific; part of the selection process for lead agencies (13 total) will be heavily weighted on methods, completeness, and prevention strategies local applicants set out in proposals (RFP to be issued post-award.)
DAABHS Prevention and current PFS project collaborate with many state agencies and community organizations forming relationships and consensus with youth, parents, law enforcement, educators, faith-based organizations, and business leaders, to address consequences associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use, and provide positive, risk-reducing and resilience-building alternatives. Fortunately, the movement toward discouraging underage drinking has been a focus with key stakeholders and raising awareness about prescription drug misuse and abuse is progressing; however, there is a strong need for the state to continue expanding and enhancing its efforts to reach all populations and key sectors.
Regarding the above, we intend to place special emphasis on the growing Hispanic population in the state. Data and experience with current PFS programming indicate that this ethnic subgroup, while increasing over time in state demographics, has not been engaged in PFS at a proportionate pace. This award will allow the state to continue working toward that aim of including the progressively larger, more influential numbers of Hispanic youth families, and community groups by increasing focus on linguistically, culturally appropriate materials and programming.
Our overall goal is to reduce immediate ATOD use, with heavy involvement of involved stakeholders to invoke changes in culture, attitudes, and behaviors creating a network of cohesive influences throughout communities. That includes culturally and ethnically responsive efforts, and initiatives that are tailored to specific locales in which they are applied. Continuing our efforts, enhancing infrastructure, and cultivating practices that recognize geographic and cultural diversity, DBHS Prevention will have a larger impact in reducing underage ATOD use. It is also hoped that impact will spread to other age groups (e.g., parents, siblings, neighbors) and be transmitted to future generations of Arkansas citizens by those who benefit from current and ongoing prevention activities.
