The knoxville leadership foundation (KLF) proposes to implement the FY 2023 appalachian opioid affected youth initiative (aoayi-23)

The Knoxville Leadership Foundation (KLF) was awarded a $750,000 Project Grant by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention under the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative (CFDA 16.842). The 3-year grant, effective from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026, will fund the Appalachian Opioid Affected Youth Initiative (AOAYI-23) to address the opioid crisis in Knoxville, TN and Lexington, KY.

The initiative aims to provide direct prevention education, support services, and access to resources to minimize youth involvement with and effects of substance misuse. Expected outcomes include increased opioid awareness, improved refusal and assertiveness skills, decreased antisocial behavior, and timely support services for youth and families. KLF will partner with the Lexington Leadership Foundation as a sub-grantee to deliver these services across the Appalachian region.

The purpose is to address the issues that impact the opioid crisis in knoxville (knox county, TN) and lexington (fayette county, KY). AOAYI23 will provide direct, individual prevention education, support, and access to resources to minimize youth involvement with, and the effects of, substance misuse in their lives. Expected outcomes for youth include (1) increased knowledge about and concern for dangers of opioids, (2) improved refusal and assertiveness skills when offered drugs, (3) decreased antisocial behavior, and (4) effective and timely supplemental support services provided by community partners to youth and families.