Grant of $375,000 will help create evidence-based substance abuse prevention initiatives

The Sandusky County Board of Health was awarded $375,000 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), according to a news release from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo).

The award, under the program Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance, will support the Enhancing Prevention Initiative and Infrastructure Consortium (EPIIC) project aimed at addressing substance abuse prevention in the county.

Sandusky County to work with other jurisdictions

The funding will be instrumental in fortifying Sandusky County's efforts to combat substance abuse by enhancing local prevention strategies, improving community outreach and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in the region.

The money will help to build on existing infrastructure and develop new, evidence-based prevention initiatives that directly address the unique needs of the community.

The project is spearheaded by Charlotte Stonerook, the health education coordinator and supervisor of the Health Planning and Education division at the Sandusky County Board of Health. With over 20 years of experience in community health and a commitment to addressing at-risk behaviors among youth and adults, Stonerook will lead the EPIIC project.

“We are honored to receive the SPF-PFS grant from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention,” noted Stonerook, the coalition coordinator for Prevention Partnership of Sandusky County.

Prevention program aimed at youth

“This essential funding will support our efforts in preventing substance abuse among youth, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges of vaping nicotine and marijuana use among individuals aged nine to 18. Sandusky County Public Health, along with the Prevention Partnership Coalition of Sandusky County, will take the lead on this project," Stonerock said in the release. "We are also excited to collaborate with neighboring counties − Seneca, Ottawa, Wyandot, and Huron − to implement a comprehensive prevention strategy. We are grateful for this support and look forward to making a significant, positive impact in our communities over the next five years.”

The EPIIC project will serve as a model for other communities, demonstrating the impact well-coordinated, community-driven prevention efforts can have on reducing substance abuse and improving mental health outcomes.

The News-Messenger/News Herald

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Grant of $375,000 will help create evidence-based substance abuse prevention initiatives