Wednesday, March 12, 2025
3/12/2025
Project Abstract Summary Project Title: Enhancing Youth Substance Use Prevention in South Mountain Village Project Overview: The proposed project, "Enhancing Youth Substance Use Prevention in South Mountain Village," aims to address the pressing issue of youth substance use within the South Mountain community of Phoenix, Arizona. Led by the South Mountain Works Coalition (SMWORKS), in partnership with the Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona (TAPAZ) serving as the fiscal agent, this project seeks to implement evidence-based strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use and its associated harm. Purpose: The primary purpose of the project is to equip and empower community members, particularly youth aged 12-18 and their families, with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to resist substance use and make healthy and safe choices. By leveraging the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant, the project will focus on implementing a comprehensive set of prevention strategies tailored to the specific needs of the South Mountain community. Key Objectives: Conducting a community-driven strength-based assessment to identify current substance use trends, root causes, and impacts; Increasing membership and collaboration with key stakeholders, with a focus on underrepresented sectors and populations such as parents, media, health care professionals, as well as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women.; Enhancing youth, parent, and family communication on the harms associated with substance use and strategies for prevention; Providing training and education on equitable prevention science, trauma-informed approaches, and addressing racial, equity, and justice issues; Increasing community knowledge of substance use prevention efforts and promoting healthy alternatives to substance use. Decreasing the use of bombardment advertising among local alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine vaping retailers. Implementing initiatives to reduce substance use disparities and improve public health outcomes among South Mountain youth and families. Expected Outcomes: Short-term outcomes include implementing the community-driven assessment, increasing collaboration, enhancing communication, and reducing bombardment advertising. Intermediate outcomes involve changes in youth perceptions of substance risks, decreased access to substances, and increased community engagement. Long-term outcomes encompass reducing past-month substance use rates by at least 15% each substance, reducing unmitigated trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), addressing substance use disparities, and improving overall health outcomes for South Mountain youth and families. Conclusion: Through strategic partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and community engagement, the "Enhancing Youth Substance Abuse Prevention in South Mountain Village" project endeavors to create a healthier and safer environment for youth in South Mountain, ultimately promoting positive youth, family and community development and well-being.
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).