Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
Prevention Resources (PR) functions as a 501c3 agency and serves as the fiscal agent for The Partnership for Health Drug Free Taskforce (DFTF). DFTF was established to bolster protective factors, while simultaneously reducing risk factors such as easy access and low perception of harm, to mitigate youth substance misuse. The DFTF coalition proposed a geographic area for the Drug Free Communities grant within targeted zip codes in Hunterdon County (HC), New Jersey. HC is located an hour west of New York City and an hour northeast of Philadelphia, our western border is the Delaware River which separates PA and N.J. The other borders are Route 78 on the north, Route 287 to the north and northeast, Somerset County to the east and southeast and Mercer County to the south. The population focuses on the residents of Hunterdon County impacting 58,946 residents based on the high percentage of those living in poverty (socioeconomic status), health disparities, geography, and limited access to healthcare. We will prioritize the populations of those living below poverty level, non-English speaking Latino families, LGBTQ+ individuals and individuals in rural pockets. The mission of DFTF is to empower youth and families to make healthy decisions and implement sustainable environmental change through collaborative community engagement and education to live long, safe, drug-free, and healthy lives. The DFTF aims to strengthen protective factors and diminish risk factors, such as accessibility and low perception of harm, to mitigate substance misuse among youth. Aligning to our logic model, The DFTF will reduce youth (ages 12-18) use of marijuana and underage drinking of alcohol by addressing root causes and local conditions. Our strategy for the upcoming five years focuses on leveraging our ability to foster relationships, broaden coalition capabilities, and introduce innovative educational and community level change approaches regarding the dangers associated with marijuana and underage drinking. Central to this approach is the emphasis on bolstering coping mechanisms and other protective factors, modifying policies, while also providing connections to resources. In addition, we are committed to promoting inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and the use of destigmatizing language to effectively engage with and support the LGBTQ+ community through our prevention and outreach initiatives. The DFTF will engage within the lower socio-economic demographic in the county, to concentrate on promoting protective factors. We aim to offer evidence-based positive coping strategies within safe and culturally relevant environments for youth. This approach also addresses the cultural norms prevalent within this population. Our coalition is committed to collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from multiple sectors, as well as youth and parents, to provide input, and actively engage to own and guide the process. The coalition employs evidence-based strategies, utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework, the Seven Strategies for Community Change, and other promising approaches as we work in the community.
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).
