In State Fiscal Year 2017, Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) offered funding to two Appalachian Counties, Adams and Lawrence. These communities were tasked with developing community capacity for sustained data collection, planning, and reporting on substance use disorders among youth. Two wrap-around support partners – Ohio’s Coaching and Mentoring Network (OCAM) and Ohio’s SPF-PFS Evaluation Team (OSET) – offered these communities considerable technical assistance, training, and readiness development opportunities.
In 2019, Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service received funding from the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to continue work in Southeastern Ohio. This five-year grant, coordinated by the Voinovich School, enabled coalitions in Adams and Lawrence counties to continue addressing underage drinking among persons aged 9 to 20.
In 2021, the SPF-PFS in SEO initiative expanded its reach by partnering with the Gallia, Jackson, Meigs ADAMH Board to serve an additional three Appalachian counties. Through this initiative, the board formed a prevention data committee to collect OHYES! data, completed a Community Risk Assessment and a Community Coalition Action Theory, and developed a strategic plan addressing underage drinking based on OHYES! Data and assessment findings.
In the Spring of 2024, coalitions in Adams and Lawrence County applied for Drug-free Communities (DFC) funding, made possible through their involvement with the SPF-PFS initiative. DFC awardees will be announced in September 2024.
Moving forward, the Voinovich School will be applying for SPF-PFS funding in 2025 with the hopes of continuing to expand the SPF-PFS initiative within Ohio’s Appalachian and rural communities.
ADAMS COUNTY
LAWRENCE COUNTY
