Substance abuse coalition receives funding

The Southeast Missouri Youth Substance Abuse Coalition has been awarded a $9,000 grant by the Missouri Department of Mental Health's Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. This is the third year the coalition has been awarded this grant.

Funds will be used to carry out community programs designed to reduce the incidence of substance abuse and violent behavior among youth.

According to the 2004 student survey conducted by the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, alcohol, tobacco and marijuana are the most commonly used substances among youths ages 10 to 18. The average age children report smoking and using alcohol more than just a few sips is between 11 and 13 years of age. Early marijuana use begins almost a year later between 13 and 14 years old.

Jim Maginel, project coordinator, said local programs and services planned include the development and implementation of a comprehensive media awareness campaign and providing advocacy training for local youth groups. In addition, part of the grant is earmarked for enforcement and merchant training in Cape Girardeau County outside of Cape Girardeau city and in Scott City. This enhances a similar program being implemented in Cape Girardeau by Safe Communities through a Community Trials Grant.

Other projects included identification of local resources and gaps in youth substance use prevention and intervention services and the development and distribution of a manual documenting the climate of youth substance use in our community with specific strategy suggestions.

The Southeast Missouri Youth Substance Abuse Coalition is facilitated by the United Way of Southeast Missouri with membership from more than 30 local service providers, schools, law enforcement, the university and faith-based organizations.

Funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Education's Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Program. For more information on this and other coalition projects, contact Maginel at Southeast Regional Support Center at 651-5153.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133