Mount Vernon and Lisbon Prevention and Awareness Through Healthy Choices (PATH) Partnership Coalition Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Grant - Abstract-Mount Vernon Community School District The Mount Vernon and Lisbon Prevention and Awareness Through Healthy Choices (PATH) Partnership Coalition Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Grant aims to reduce youth substance use in the rural Iowa communities of Mount Vernon and Lisbon; total population: 8641, of which 1,196 are youth aged 12-18. The project will focus on reducing underage drinking and tobacco/nicotine use among youth by implementing evidence-based strategies and leveraging environmental changes, in line with the Seven Core Principles for Community-Level Change. According to the 2023 US Census Report, the combined demographics for Mount Vernon and Lisbon are 95.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic, 1% Black, .5% Asian, and 1.5% Other. The ethnic representation is 1.5% Hispanic and 98.5% Non-Hispanic. The total population living in poverty is 4.8%, with the City of Mount Vernon being the highest at 6.2%. About 10% of people in our service area are living with a disability. This population is 52% female, 48% male. At 31%, just under ⅓ of the population is 19 and under in age, and 22.5% is 60 or older, with a median income of $94,740.50. This project contains two goals both with short term, intermediate and long term objectives. Goal 1: Establish and strengthen collaboration among community stakeholders and organizations to address youth substance use. Short-Term (by 6/30/2027): Increase coalition capacity by engaging 5 new active members. Intermediate (by 6/30/2028): Increase participation in coalition events and meetings by 10% and enhance member understanding of internal operations by 10%. Long-Term (by 6/30/2031): Secure $125,000 annually in alternative funding sources and in-kind contributions to ensure coalition sustainability. Goal 2: Reduce youth substance use by addressing community risk factors and promoting protective factors. Short-Term (by 6/30/2027): Increase youth perception of risk from underage drinking and tobacco/nicotine use by 3%. Intermediate (by 6/31/2029): Increase youth perception of parental disapproval of alcohol (4%) and tobacco/nicotine use (3%), and decrease reported ease of access to alcohol and tobacco/nicotine by 7%. Long-Term (by 96/30/2031): Decrease past 30-day use of alcohol by 3% and tobacco/nicotine by 2% among youth. To accomplish its goals and objectives, PATH will implement a comprehensive set of strategies, including: Provide Community outreach via events, trainings, and information dissemination; Creation of a Youth Prevention Team and engagement in one-on-one prevention efforts among youth and adults; Provide evidence-based education and training for youth, schools, and community members on substance use prevention; Provide policy support for schools, including restorative justice programs; Development of a Youth Leadership Conference; Build and distribute tobacco/nicotine cessation kits with various access points in the community; Collaborate with law enforcement to provide alcohol and tobacco/nicotine compliance checks; Support for School Resource Officer with evidence-based training; Develop media campaigns targeting youth and parents; and Participate in awareness events like the Great American Smokeout and Kick Butts Day. By implementing a comprehensive community-driven approach with environmental and evidence-based strategies, PATH will create long-term changes in attitudes and beliefs toward substance use, empower youth leaders engaged in creating healthier communities, and enhance community resilience to reduce youth and community-wide substance use.
