Brooke hancock prevention alliance - the brooke hancock prevention alliance (BHPA), under the guidance of the brooke hancock family resource network (BHFRN), seeks to reduce marijuana and nicotine use…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the Brooke Hancock Family Resource Network Inc. $125,000 on July 1, 2026, under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program (CFDA 93.276) to reduce marijuana and nicotine use among youth in Weirton, West Virginia.

The recipient will implement a five-year, data-driven prevention initiative addressing root causes of youth substance use. Environmental scans and community readiness assessments identified four primary local conditions: peer distribution of vapes and edibles in school parking lots, inconsistent retailer ID enforcement, caregiver-supplied products, and community norms treating substance use as a "rite of passage." BHPA will engage all twelve required DFC sectors with emphasis on youth leadership and caregiver education. The coalition's strategy includes providing information at school and community events, delivering evidence-based programs such as Lifeskills and NOT, reducing access through retailer training and signage, and shifting cultural norms through public campaigns and family-centered outreach. Policy efforts will address school-based consequences, court diversion, and enforcement of West Virginia's tobacco and cannabis laws. Over five years, the coalition aims to achieve a 3 percent reduction in youth marijuana and nicotine use and a 5 percent improvement in perceived risk of use. Progress will be measured through core DFC evaluation tools, community surveys, youth feedback, and policy change tracking.

Performance runs through June 30, 2031, and takes place in West Virginia.

Brooke hancock prevention alliance - the brooke hancock prevention alliance (BHPA), under the guidance of the brooke hancock family resource network (BHFRN), seeks to reduce marijuana and nicotine use among youth in weirton, WV by addressing the root causes that make these substances accessible, socially acceptable, and widely used. Through the drug-free communities (DFC) program, BHPA will implement a five-year, data-driven prevention initiative that mobilizes cross-sector community partnerships, strengthens protective factors, and aligns with the DFC logic model. Environmental scans and community readiness assessments conducted in 2024-2025 revealed four primary local conditions fueling youth substance use: peer distribution of vapes and edibles in school parking lots, inconsistent retailer ID enforcement, caregiver-supplied products, and community norms that view substance use as a "rite of passage." despite national declines, weirton youth report high use of smokeless tobacco, flavored nicotine vapes, and high-THC marijuana products, contributing to increased health risks and behavioral concerns. To address these issues, BHPA will engage all 12 required DFC sectors, with a strong emphasis on youth leadership and caregiver education. The coalition's comprehensive strategy includes providing information at school and community events, enhancing skills through evidence-based programs like lifeskills and not, reducing access through retailer training and signage, and shifting cultural norms through public campaigns and family-centered outreach. Policy efforts will focus on school-based consequences, court diversion, and reinforcing west virginia's tobacco and cannabis laws. Over the five-year period, BHPA aims to achieve a 3% reduction in youth marijuana and nicotine use and a 5% improvement in perceived risk of use. Progress will be measured through core DFC evaluation tools, community surveys, youth feedback, and policy change tracking. Evaluation results will be shared widely through public dashboards, reports, and community forums to foster transparency and continuous improvement. BHPA is uniquely positioned to lead this effort due to its strong network of partners, history of successful grant implementation, and its deep roots in the community. With DFC support, this project will build a more informed, connected, and resilient weirton where youth are empowered to make healthy, substance-free choices.