WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced an $11.75 million five-year Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant to New Mexico for the implementation of SAMHSA's new Strategic Prevention Framework. The purpose of the grant is to advance community-based programs for substance abuse prevention, mental health promotion, and mental illness prevention. New Mexico will receive $2.35 million per year for each of five years.
The funds will be used in communities across the State to implement a five-step process known to promote youth development, reduce risk-taking behaviors, build on assets, and prevent problem behaviors. The five steps are: (1) conduct needs assessments; (2) build state and local capacity; (3) develop a comprehensive strategic plan; (4) implement evidence-based prevention policies, programs and practices; and (5) monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, sustaining what has worked well.
"Whether we speak about abstinence or rejecting drugs, tobacco and alcohol; whether we're promoting exercise and a healthy diet, preventing violence or promoting mental health, we really are all working towards the same objective -- reducing risk factors and promoting protective factors," said SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie.
Curie continued, "This new grant is built on a community-based risk and protective factors approach to prevention. For example, family conflict, low school readiness, and poor social skills increase the risk for conduct disorders and depression, which in turn increase the risk for adolescent substance abuse, delinquency, and violence. Protective factors such as strong family bonds, social skills, opportunities for school success, and involvement in community activities can foster resilience and mitigate the influence of risk factors. The grant will bring together multiple funding streams from multiple sources in New Mexico to implement a comprehensive approach to prevention that cuts across existing programs and systems. Our goal is to aid Americans in living healthier, longer lives."
Under the new grant program, the state will provide leadership, technical support and monitoring to ensure that participating communities are successful. The success of the grant will be measured by specific measurable outcomes, among them: abstinence from drug use and alcohol abuse, reduction in substance abuse-related crime, attainment of employment or enrollment in school, increased stability in family and living conditions, increased access to services, and increased social connectedness.
The New Mexico Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive grant will reduce substance abuse among youth, families, and adults by reducing risk and increasing protective factors in individuals, schools, families, neighborhoods, and communities throughout New Mexico through activities that include: an extensive statewide needs assessment, the creation of a New Mexico Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Prevention, and implementation of substance abuse prevention activities. Oversight will be provided by the governor- appointed, Strategic Prevention Framework Advisory Committee. The committee will coordinate funding and recommend systemic improvements to services.
The Prevention Services Bureau of the Behavioral Health Services Division, New Mexico Department of Health, will serve as the lead agency for the project, in collaboration with other state prevention agencies, including the Department of Public Education, the Children Youth and Families Department, the DWI Programs of the Department of Finance and Administration and the Department of Health's Public Health Division.
SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment and mental health service delivery systems.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationCONTACT: Leah Young of Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration, +1-240-276-2130
Web site: http://www.samhsa.gov/