Sunday, January 5, 2025
1/5/2025
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Supporting Treatment and Recovery through Opportunities and Nurturing Growth in Families (FDU STRONG) Population Served: FDU STRONG will support families, especially children whose parents or guardians are impacted by opioid use disorders, by increasing skills and knowledge of the behavioral health workforce. Project Description: There is a growing need to improve regional access to quality integrative mental healthcare, especially for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders throughout the United States. New Jersey, specifically, has seen a steady demand for opioid use services with over 40,000 individuals seeking services annually. However, New Jersey significantly lags behind other states averaging 32 drug overdose deaths/100,000 people. The Department of Human Services states that New Jersey is facing a “behavioral health and addiction counselor workforce crisis”. To meet the increasing needs, FDU STRONG will train community health workers (CHW) to support children and families impacted by opioid and substance use disorders and to prevent mental health challenges and substance misuse in youth. We will accomplish this aim through the development and delivery of Level 1 and Level II trainings encompassing online, accessible coursework, experiential learning, and apprenticeships. Needs Addressed: The development and implementation of this certificate program will aid in improving support and access for families impacted by addiction as well as contribute to alleviating the shortage of the behavioral health workforce trained with a specialization in opioid and substance use disorders. Services and Activities: FDU STRONG will 1) develop and implement a level 1 CHW training certificate training program serving youth and families impacted by OUD and SUD 2) establish an apprenticeship program for CHW in medically underserved communities, offering on-the-job training, 3) recruit 108 diverse trainees seeking careers as CHW’s in high need areas and offer tuition and stipend support, 4) expand partnerships with agencies in medically underserved communities serving youth and families, 5) support students to secure employment opportunities as CHW’s, and 6) initiate an evaluation process of the FDU STRONG program.
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).