Tuesday, April 1, 2025
4/1/2025
Vernon, CT Resources and Outreach for Community Knowledge and Success (ROCKS) Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Project - The Village for Families & Children, Inc. (The Village) in partnership with Vernon ROCKS (Resources and Outreach for Community Knowledge and Success), the town’s drug and alcohol prevention council, will expand current prevention activities aimed at students in Grades 6-12 in Vernon, CT. The project focuses on preventing the use of alcohol and marijuana by decreasing access to these substances, increasing protective factors that prevent teens from using, and empowering parents and friends to exert positive influence on students’ behavior. In 2022-23, the target population of Rockville High and Vernon Middle School students was 1,610; 54% White, 12% Black/African American, 21% Latino, 6% Asian, 7% other. Key metrics indicative of increased risk of substance use and abuse include high rates of chronic absenteeism and suspensions/expulsions and a lower four-year cohort graduation rate compared to statewide averages. These same metrics indicate even greater distress in students eligible for free and reduced-price school meals – a proxy for socio-economic status – and students of color. The 2023 Youth Voices Count Survey of 1,348 students substantiates the need to address alcohol and marijuana use among teens. Past 30-day use for alcohol (2.89%) and marijuana (6.4%) exceeds any other substance. The average age of first use was 13 for alcohol and 13.8 for marijuana. Additionally, students’ perception of the harm caused by alcohol and marijuana is lower than for other substances, with the exception of nicotine vaping. The State of Connecticut has identified vaping as a priority and has dedicated substantial resources toward prevention efforts for that substance. For that reason, Vernon ROCKS will focus on alcohol and marijuana as target substances for this project. Utilizing SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework, Vernon ROCKS has developed project goals and created key environmental strategies grounded in a public health approach to prevention. Over the course of the 5-year grant period the coalition will achieve stronger community collaboration toward prevention efforts, which will lead to increased capacity and readiness to address youth substance use. In Year 1, the project will increase community collaboration by 1) expanding the coalition’s membership from 28 to 31 to increase representation of parents, youth, and diverse community sectors, 2) providing training/education opportunities for coalition members and community stakeholders, and 3) increasing members’ participation in coalition events. By the end of the 5-year grant period the project will achieve 1) a reduction by 30.8% the rate youth report past 30-day alcohol use from 2.89% to 2% and 2) a reduction in 30-day past use of marijuana by students by 21.8% (6.4% to 5%). Year 1 strategies that will support these program goals include training and education opportunities for parents; providing alternative, prosocial activities for youth; and peer-to-peer marketing campaigns and social groups. A formative evaluation will support the coalition’s understanding of the effectiveness of strategies and activities and will guide an annual review of program goals, objectives, and activities.
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).