Cabarrus County Health Alliance awarded $625k grant to prevent youth substance abuse

CABARRUS COUNTY — The Cabarrus County Health Alliance has been awarded a five-year Drug-Free Communities grant worth $625,000.

Cabarrus County was one of only four communities in North Carolina to receive the funding this year. This is the second time Cabarrus Health Alliance and the Healthy Cabarrus Substance Use Coalition have received this federal funding.

The DFC support program is one of the nation’s leading efforts in the prevention and reduction of youth substance abuse, including marijuana, tobacco, alcohol and prescription drugs.

Director of CHA Health, Dr. Bonnie Coyle, says that the funding will allow CHA Health to continue raising awareness and prevention of youth substance abuse throughout Cabarrus County.

“These funds will allow us to prioritize prevention of youth substance use in our community.” Coyle said, “We have seen increases in youth-reported alcohol and tobacco use, including vaping and e-cigarettes, over the last several years.”

In 2021, a Cabarrus Youth Substance Survey asked students why other kids used alcohol and drugs. Students could choose more than one answer. These are the top three:

• “Kids use drugs to deal with pressures and stress of school” (62.6%)
• “Kids think that drugs help them when they are having a hard time” (62.3%)
• “Kids think that drugs help deal with problems at home” (58%)

The grant comes from the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(WATCH BELOW: Local clinic creates safe haven for pregnant women impacted by substance abuse)

Local clinic creates safe haven for pregnant women impacted by substance abuse

©2022 Cox Media Group