Windham County Prevention Partnership - Descriptive Title of Applicant Project: Windham County Prevention Partnership Strategic Prevention Framework Initiative Project Abstract: The Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnership for Success (SPF-PFS) grant will support Windham County Prevention Partnership (WCPP) to implement a trauma-informed, comprehensive initiative in Windham County (WC) Vermont. The primary goals are: 1) increase the prevention infrastructure in Windham County through capacity building to better serve rural and low SES communities; 2) reduce WC youth & young adult cannabis use by implementing evidence-based strategies within the community and school districts that address behaviors that may lead to the initiation and continuation of use; 3) decrease WC youth & young adult prescription misuse by implementing evidence-based strategies within the community and school districts that address behaviors that may lead to the initiation and continuation of use; and 4) increase support to reduce mental health indicators and substance use among LGB youth. As defined by the 2021 Census, Windham County (WC) is 70.94% rural. Located in south-eastern Vermont, the population of WC is 45,966. Due to its rural nature, WC is defined as an underserved community. Data provided details higher prevalence of both cannabis and prescription drug use among rural WC youth and young adults, low SES and the LGB population. WCPP will utilize a comprehensive approach including Information Dissemination, Education, Alternatives, Policy Change, ID and Referral and Community-Based Processes. This project will engage the strategic prevention framework to address our community prevention/mental health promotion priorities through assessment, capacity building, community planning, delivering services, and evaluating outcomes. We anticipate serving 39,705 annually.
