Project Grant H79SP084499

The Thrive Without Drinking (TWD) Project, awarded a $120,000 Project Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CFDA 93.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance), will implement evidence-based prevention strategies in Youngstown, Ohio to prevent and reduce underage drinking among youth and young adults aged 12-20, with a focus on underserved populations. The project aims to (1) identify, establish, and implement relevant community approaches to address underage drinking, and (2) enhance intergovernmental cooperation at the city, county, and state level to reduce alcohol use among the target population. Key strategies include implementing the "Talk, They Hear You" campaign, providing information at community events, conducting town hall meetings, offering drug-free youth activities, and facilitating policy change initiatives with school systems regarding underage drinking policies. The project will be implemented by the Youngstown Urban Minority Alcoholism And Drug Abuse Outreach Program, Inc. (Youngstown Umadaop), a non-profit organization specializing in substance abuse prevention and community health interventions, over the 4-year award period from September 30, 2024 to September 29, 2028.