Sunday, December 22, 2024
12/22/2024
Abstract:-The Prevention Awareness-Youth-Support (PAYS) coalition was originally formed to address growing youth substance use in our local area. The PAYS coalition proposed geographic area for the Drug Free Communities grant are two rural counties in Arkansas: Baxter, and Marion. Baxter County is in north central Arkansas and located adjacent to and immediately south of the Missouri state line. Located in the southern part of the Ozark Mountains, the county comprises 553.93 square miles and has a population of 41,627 residents. Lying directly west and contiguous to Baxter County is Marion County, another area of north central Arkansas whose topography exactly mirrors that of Baxter County and is only slightly larger with 596.65 square miles. With a population of only 16,826 residents spread out over a similar land area, the county’s population density is just 27.9 people per square mile. The population focuses on the residents of Baxter and Marion, impacting the 59,689 residents based on the high percentage of those living in poverty (socioeconomic status), health disparities, geography, and limited access to healthcare. The mission of PAYS is to improve the quality of life for our youth by providing awareness that supports health, safety, and prevention education of prescription medications/opioids, nicotine, and other drugs in Baxter and Marion Counties to reduce youth substance use in the communities served. Aligning to our logic model, the PAYS. will reduce youth (ages 12-18) use of marijuana and the misuse of opioids/prescription drugs 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 opioid use. 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. PAYS 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).