Greene County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition Greene County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition Drug Free Community Grant Year 1 - The Greene County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition (MHSA) is a 501 C3 that serves and operates within Greene County, Arkansas. The MHSA coalition proposed the geographic area for the Drug Free Communities grant are the 580 square miles limits of Greene County, Arkansas. Greene County sits 90 miles Northwest of Memphis, TN and 205 miles south of St. Louis, MO, Greene County is in the Northeastern portion of Arkansas. The population focuses on the residents of Greene County impacting 46,448 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, LGBTQ+ individuals and individuals in rural pockets. The mission of MHSA is to reduce youth and adult substance abuse and mental health issues in Greene County through collaboration among community partners targeting community conditions that contribute to substance abuse and mental health challenges. The MDTF 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 MHSA will reduce youth (ages 12-18) use of Nicotine and Opioids 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 MHSA 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.
