CARES Act provides funding for community groups in Utah to fight substance abuse

Fifteen local coalitions and communities throughout Utah have been chosen to receive grants to decrease risk factors and increase protective factors related to substance use issues. These grants allow local communities to find local solutions for local issues.

The $1.75 million is part of the money given to Utah from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act. The purpose of the Prevention Prepared Community grants is to fund communities that have developed coalitions engaged in community-centered, evidence-based prevention to battle substance use. Through collaboration with multiple sectors of the community, these coalitions use programs and strategies proven to increase protection and decrease risk found in peer groups, families, schools and communities.

Awardees will implement evidence-based programs and strategies using local data for local solutions. These programs work to educate about the harm these substances do to the developing brain and body and teach skills to help buffer against the risk of underage substance use.

In deciding which groups should receive the money, consideration was given to those who could address the needs of each community reaching underserved populations and the diversity of each particular community. The awards range from $43,500 to $125,000.