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PROVO — The Utah County Health Department is encouraging submissions of project proposals to prevent the use of electronic cigarettes, marijuana and other drugs by youths.
The health department annually looks for Utah County-based projects to fund that address root causes and prevent adverse outcomes of youth substance abuse. The department announced Friday all applications are due by May 3.
"Substance misuse/abuse continues to be an important public health concern contributing to morbidity and mortality rates. Evidence shows that the initiation of substance misuse in adolescence can lead to higher levels of misuse abuse, and substance use disorders later in life," a statement from the health department said.
Community coalitions focused on substance abuse prevention or organizations such as local government or education agencies are encouraged to participate.
Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 will be provided to "innovative projects and partnerships" that are "committed to addressing upstream factors," the department said. "Research on risk and protective factors has important implications for children's academic success, positive youth development and prevention of health and behavior problems."
That research helps identify elevated risk factors in populations, allowing agencies to implement targeted policies and programs based on evidence to reduce risk and promote safety, the department said.
The health department will host a virtual Q&A session on April 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to answer questions for all potential applicants.
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Cassidy Wixom
