Weakley county prevention coalition

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded $125,000 to Martin Housing Authority on July 1, 2026, under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program (CFDA 93.276) to support the Weakley County Prevention Coalition's efforts to prevent and reduce youth substance use in rural Weakley County, Tennessee.

The coalition addresses documented public health challenges in the county, including chronic school absenteeism, elevated rates of youth mental health distress (more than 35% of students reporting frequent anxiety or emotional distress symptoms, and 18.6% reporting serious consideration of suicide), and early substance initiation. Local data shows nicotine vaping at 19.5% prevalence among students in grades 8, 10, and 12, alcohol use at 13.4%, with average first use ages of 13.7 and 13.3 respectively. Students report obtaining substances primarily through peers, siblings, and parents, with 24.3% reporting parental provision of alcohol with permission. Environmental risk factors include off-campus social activity associated with the University of Tennessee at Martin and widespread vaping in school bathrooms.

The award supports a five-year period of performance from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. Martin Housing Authority, a local government housing authority based in Martin, Tennessee, serves as the recipient and fiscal agent for the coalition, which must demonstrate at least six months of prior collaboration on substance abuse reduction initiatives and maintain a cash or in-kind match of 100 to 150 percent of the federal award.

Abstract

The weakley county prevention coalition (WCPC) serves the rural communities of weakley county, tennessee, located in the northwest corner of the state near the kentucky border. The county has strong agricultural roots, including the town of gleason-often referred to as "tater town"-and a significant educational presence through the university of tennessee at martin. Despite these strengths, the county faces ongoing public health and behavioral challenges that increase risk for youth substance use. According to the 2023 tennessee health rankings, weakley county experiences elevated rates of indicators associated with increased risk for youth substance use, including chronic school absenteeism and related community stressors. These conditions are associated with increased vulnerability to substance use and mental health concerns among youth. Local survey data indicates that mental health challenges among students are increasing, with more than 35% reporting frequent symptoms of anxiety or emotional distress and 18.6% reporting serious consideration of suicide within the past year. Students experiencing moderate to high psychological distress are significantly more likely to report substance use within the past 30 days. Data from the 2023 TN together survey show that the most used substances among youth in grades 8, 10, and 12 are nicotine vaping (19.5%) and alcohol (13.4%). Early initiation is also a concern, with students reporting first use of alcohol and nicotine at average ages of 13.3 and 13.7, respectively. Social access remains a primary contributing factor, as students report obtaining substances from peers, siblings, and parents. Notably, 24.3% of students report being given alcohol by a parent with permission. Environmental factors further contribute to access and normalization, including off-campus social activity associated with the university of tennessee at martin, widespread vaping in school bathrooms, and frequent exposure to substance-related content through social media. WCPC has identified alcohol and nicotine as their primary prevention priorities. Using a data-driven, community-based approach grounded in samhsa's strategic prevention framework and the seven strategies for community change, the coalition will focus on reducing access, increasing perception of harm, strengthening protective factors, and supporting consistent policy implementation across school and community settings. Prevention strategies include youth and parent education, school-based programming, community awareness campaigns, policy support, and collaboration with local partners. Primary outreach will focus on youth ages 12-18, their parents, and community members across weakley county, based on data indicating elevated levels of youth substance use risk across the county. WCPC will collaborate with schools, faith-based organizations, the university of tennessee at martin, local law enforcement, the health department, and catalyst evaluation group to implement a coordinated and measurable action plan. Over the five-year grant period, WCPC will strengthen coalition capacity, increase protective factors, and reduce 30-day youth use of alcohol and nicotine by 5%. These outcomes will be achieved through integrated prevention education, environmental strategies, policy efforts, youth engagement, and continuous evaluation to ensure effectiveness and sustainability, contributing to a safer and healthier community for all residents.