Pomeroy partners for healthy families coalition - the pomeroy partners for healthy families coalition is dedicated to reducing youth substance use in garfield county, washington - a rural community…

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded $125,000 to Quality Behavioral Health on July 1, 2026, under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program Grants (CFDA 93.276) to support the Pomeroy Partners for Healthy Families Coalition's efforts to reduce youth substance use in Garfield County, Washington.

The coalition addresses elevated rates of underage alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco/nicotine use in Pomeroy, a rural community of approximately 2,400 residents. Data from the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey show that 19 percent of 10th graders reported past 30-day alcohol use (double the state average) and 10 percent of 8th and 10th graders reported vaping nicotine in the past 30 days (also twice the state average). The coalition operates under the Strategic Prevention Framework and deploys four core strategies: information dissemination through public awareness campaigns such as "Talk. They Hear You" and Project Sticker Shock; skills enhancement via evidence-based prevention training; supportive environments through the Pirate Partners youth coalition; and access reduction. The coalition, which has operated for thirteen years and previously held Drug-Free Communities grant funding, maintains two full-time staff and 22 members representing twelve community sectors.

The award period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031, with place of performance in Washington.

Pomeroy partners for healthy families coalition - the pomeroy partners for healthy families coalition is dedicated to reducing youth substance use in garfield county, washington - a rural community with approximately 2,400 residents. The coalition has existed for thirteen years, the past five as a drug free communities grantee despite the recent lapse in funding, and addresses the challenges of underage alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco/nicotine use among youth. Pomeroy is a close-knit, tradition-oriented community. However, we face challenges, including our small size, geographical isolation, and limited resources. These factors contribute to the problem of youth substance use. Data from the washington state healthy youth survey shows that 19% of 10TH graders reported past 30-day alcohol use, which is double the washington state average. Similarly, 10% of 8TH and 10TH graders reported vaping nicotine in the past 30 days, which is also twice the state average. Marijuana use rates, while historically lower, are now reaching and, in some grades, exceeding state averages. These substance use issues contribute to academic disruption, risky behaviors, and mental well-being challenges, particularly among vulnerable youth. The coalition uses a comprehensive, community-centered approach, guided by the strategic prevention framework (SPF) and the seven strategies for community-level change. We have two full-time staff, 22 members representing 12 community sectors, and a vibrant youth and active coalition called the pirate partners. The coalition's strategies focus on: providing information: using public awareness campaigns (e.g., "talk. They hear you."), project sticker shock, and community events. Enhancing skills: training coalition members and youth in evidence-based prevention. Providing support: creating supportive environments for youth through the pirate partners youth coalition, which offers leadership opportunities and promotes healthy choices. Reducing access: limiting substance availability through retailer compliance checks and advocating for policies that restrict youth access. Changing consequences: working with the school district to implement clear and consistent disciplinary policies. Changing physical design: working with retailers to implement responsible display and marketing practices. Modifying/changing policies: advocating for and supporting the implementation of local ordinances, school policies. The expected outcomes include increased community collaboration, reduced youth substance use, and a healthier, safer environment for youth and families. Our work is guided by a mission to empower youth and families, promote mental well-being, and reduce substance use through community partnerships and evidence-based strategies.