This youth mental health and substance use intervention initiative aims to address the high rates of youth mental health issues and substance use in york and polk counties, NE

By implementing targeted interventions and increasing access to mental health and substance use services, they aim to reduce youth delinquency and improve overall youth well-being. The initiative will partner with local schools and health departments to implement regular mental health screenings and provide counseling services, introduce school-based substance use education programs and establish a comprehensive youth substance use treatment program, conduct workshops and seminars for parents and guardians to help them recognize and address substance use and mental health issues in their children, and integrate meaningful youth and family partnerships into the planning and implementation processes. The initiative will target youth ages 11 to 18 with mental health disorders or CO-occurring substance use disorders, particularly underserved and overrepresented populations such as hispanic youth and low-income families in york and polk counties, NE. Subrecipients will include local schools, health departments, and community organizations. The outcomes of the work will include increased access to mental health and substance use services for youth, a reduction in youth substance abuse-related offenses, improved mental health and well-being among students, and enhanced community awareness and support for mental health and substance use issues among youth.