MASON CITY – On behalf of the North Iowa Addiction Prevention Alliance (NIAPA), CG Public Health has been awarded a substantial grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program. The funding, $125,000 per year for five years, is a testament to the coalition’s commitment to creating a safe, healthy, and drug-free environment for the community.
The Drug-Free Communities Support Program is the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth. The successful grant application underscores the coalition’s dedication to implementing evidence-based strategies that effectively address substance abuse with a focus on early prevention. This funding allows NIAPA to implement a comprehensive and collaborative multi-sector approach to impact conditions that enable youth to use substances and ultimately prevent misuse.
For years, NIAPA, a community-based coalition hosted by CG Public Health, has successfully established and fostered partnerships between local government, schools, law enforcement, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations. Kelli Gerdes, Population Health Manager and Project Director cites participation and collaboration from these sectors as instrumental in obtaining the grant. “The Drug-Free Communities Grant continues to illustrate that when we focus on teamwork and collaboration, results can be found to address even the most daunting issues facing our community. I’m excited to see all the partner agencies and members can be a part of the multi-year award and the lasting impacts they’ll leave on their community in creating safe, healthier places to live, work, play, and grow.”
Program Coordinator, Penny McCaslin looks forward to working with the community to expand and enhance existing efforts. “We know that prevention is powerful, yet it is chronically under-funded. It is an honor to have this funding support from the Office of National Drug Control Policy. It will make a substantial difference in effectively serving our community on the drug crisis.”
Please contact our department or visit http://www.cghealth.com for more information about NIAPA or the Drug-Free Communities Grant.