Michigan Awarded Grant to Address Underage Drinking and Prescription Drug Abuse
Contact: Angela Minicuci (517) 241-2112
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 17, 2012
LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Bureau of Substance Abuse and Addiction Services has been awarded a three-year grant to address two of the nation's top substance abuse prevention priorities: underage drinking among individuals 12 to 20, and prescription drug misuse and abuse among individuals 12 to 25. Michigan was one of 26 states to apply, and one of only 16 that will receive $3.5 million, or about $1.2 million per year, to address these priorities.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for us here in Michigan. Not only will we be able to help an important population, our youth, but we will be providing treatment that can improve their lives," said James K. Haveman, Director of the MDCH. "Ensuring that our youth are protected from the dangers of substance abuse is critical to improving their overall health and wellness."
In 2011, 3,993 youth ages 12 to 20, were admitted for alcohol-involved treatment in Michigan, which accounted for 10.8 percent of all alcohol involved treatment admissions in the state. Additionally in 2011, 1,003 individuals age 25 and younger entered treatment for abuse of prescription drugs in Michigan. The Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success II (SPF-PFS II) Grant will allow Michigan to continue building capacity for substance abuse help in 10 high-need Michigan communities.
The communities that will be impacted by this grant include the counties of Lake, Clare, Baraga, Roscommon, Gladwin, Luce, Genesee, Saginaw, Muskegon, and Wayne. The SPF-PFS II will also work with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The corresponding regional substance abuse coordinating agency for each of these counties or jurisdictions will play a key role in providing prevention services to the identified communities.
The grant will provide comprehensive and data-driven substance abuse prevention strategies in these communities. These strategies are designed to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance abuse, reduce substance abuse-related problems, and strengthen prevention capacity/infrastructure. These strategies will be deployed in federally qualified health centers, local health departments, Indian Health Services, and community college or university health or counseling centers.
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