Project Grant H79SP085057

The Wilkes Youth Life Development - Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success (WYLD SPF-PFS) Project is a $250,000 federal grant award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance (CFDA 93.243) program. The project focuses on youth ages 8-18 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, with an emphasis on engaging economically disadvantaged and Hispanic youth. The primary goals are to decrease youth substance use by implementing evidence-based programs and enhance community infrastructure to prevent and reduce substance use and related problems. Key interventions include the Positive Action and Teen Mental Health First Aid programs, the InDepth alternative to suspension program for youth with vaping offenses, and a forest school program to foster positive environments. The project also provides transportation to enhance access to youth activities, develops Spanish-language materials, and engages youth and community partners through the Teen Action Council. By 2030, the project aims to increase the perception of harm from vaping by 5% and decrease 30-day vaping use by 5%, while also training 600 high school students in Teen Mental Health First Aid by 2026.