Kent State University’s Center for Public Policy and Health, housed in the College of Public Health and Health Sciences, and Prevention Action Alliance have been awarded a $3 million, five-year federal grant to strengthen substance use prevention across eastern Ohio.
The Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will support a coordinated prevention network serving more than 2 million residents in 20 predominantly rural and Appalachian counties: Ashtabula, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Geauga, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Portage, Stark, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Washington.
The initiative will build regional prevention capacity, expand access to timely substance use data, strengthen community partnerships and promote evidence-based strategies tailored to local needs.
A key component will be expanding Insight, Kent State’s data dashboard platform, to help prevention professionals and community leaders use public health, behavioral health and community data to guide policy and resource decisions. The project will also support regional advisory committees, community-driven planning, training and technical assistance.
Prevention is most powerful when communities have the tools to act early,” said Fran Gerbig, executive director of Prevention Action Alliance. “This investment will help strengthen coordinated prevention systems across eastern and southeastern Ohio and support healthier futures for young people, families and communities.
“This grant will help strengthen substance use prevention and improve community well-being in Ohio,” said Deric Kenne, Ph.D., director of the Center for Public Policy and Health at Kent State. “Our partnership with Prevention Action Alliance brings together data, prevention expertise and community relationships to build resilience across eastern Ohio.”
About Kent State University’s Center for Public Policy and Health
The Center for Public Policy and Health, housed in Kent State University’s College of Public Health and Health Sciences, conducts research and community-engaged initiatives focused on public health, behavioral health, prevention science and policy. The center has led federally funded projects supporting substance use prevention, mental health promotion, program evaluation and community capacity building throughout Ohio.
Learn more about Kent State’s Center for Public Policy and Health.
About Prevention Action Alliance
Prevention Action Alliance is Ohio’s leading prevention organization, working since 1987 to prevent substance misuse and addiction through evidence-based prevention practices, professional training, coalition support and statewide systems change.
Find information about Prevention Action Alliance.
