Three local organizations—Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy, Identity, Inc., and Tree of Hope Association, Inc.—have received $1.3 million in grants from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services to support peer-led, culturally sensitive programs that address youth substance use and mental health, especially among Black and Latino youth. The programs, which are supported by settlement agreements with JUUL and Altria, concentrate on prevention, education, and hands-on assistance in the areas where substance abuse and vaping are most prevalent.
According to the press release, three neighborhood-based organizations dedicated to tackling teenage substance use and mental health have received $1.3 million in competitive funding from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The money will be used to assist specific initiatives run by Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy, Identity, Inc., and Tree of Hope Association, Inc. and is made available by the County’s portion of settlement agreements with JUUL and Altria.
The awards are a component of the County Community children Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives awards Program, which targets Black and Latino children between the ages of 11 and 24 and gives priority to zip codes most affected by substance use. Peer-led, culturally sensitive techniques that tackle the underlying causes and long-term impacts of juvenile substance use and vaping are being implemented by each organization.
“The money coming to Montgomery County has to be used to help the young people who have been harmed by these companies’ actions when we held JUUL and Altria accountable,” stated County Executive Marc Elrich. That settlement includes these grants. Particularly in areas most affected by the vaping epidemic, we are assisting grassroots organizations that are well-known in their communities and trusted by the young people they serve. That’s how we begin to change the situation and lower teen vaping.
Programs that are funded include:
-
Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy
will expand its
Kicking Life into Gear 2.0: Thriving Edition
initiative. The peer-led program combines soccer, mentorship
and
community service to promote leadership and encourage healthy life choices. -
Identity, Inc.
will launch a Substance Misuse Prevention & Education Peer Ambassador initiative, featuring youth-led outreach, culturally informed workshops and community-based events that support families and promote awareness in high-need areas.
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Tree of Hope Association, Inc.
will introduce a peer-led Smoking Cessation and Intervention program to educate youth about the dangers of smoking and vaping while offering direct cessation support to individuals and families.
Dr. Kisha Davis, the Montgomery County Health Officer, stated that juvenile substance use and vaping continue to be major public health issues, especially in our most vulnerable neighborhoods. In addition to offering support and instruction, these creative and culturally sensitive programs will give young people the tools they need to take charge of their own health and wellbeing. To advance this crucial work, we are honored to collaborate with reputable neighborhood organizations.
Reach out to Dr. Kisha Davis at [email protected] for additional details regarding the Community Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Grants Program.
