Study to Determine Best Practices for Combating Substance Abuse, Supporting Mental Health in At-Risk Populations
(West Palm Beach, FL) – The Hanley Foundation, leaders in substance abuse prevention programming, announced it was awarded $200,000 in grants through the Florida Department of Children and Families to study the best means of preventing alcohol and drug abuse and providing mental health services in Hendry and Putnam counties for at-risk juveniles and adults.
Hanley Foundation, in conjunction with the Public Safety Planning Council offices, law enforcement and other partner agencies in each county, will use the grant money – $100,000 in each county – to develop effective support services plans for both juveniles and adults with mental health, substance abuse or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders. The Foundation hopes to have plans prepared for each county by the end of the 2016-17 school year.
“We know the need is great in both Hendry and Putnam counties for improved access to both mental health and substance abuse treatment,” said Jan Cairnes, Hanley Foundation’s director of prevention services. “Providing prevention and quality treatment can reduce incarceration and other negative outcomes for those struggling. With this grant, we look forward to working with our partners in each county to create strategies that will get young people and adults the services they need to live full and healthy lives.”
Established more than 30 years ago by Mary Jane and Jack Hanley, Hanley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides programming and grant support for statewide substance use disorder advocacy, prevention, education, and access to quality treatment. The Hanley Foundation has changed the conversation surrounding substance use disorders, their prevention, and their treatment.
In evaluating the scope of the services needs in Hendry and Putnam counties, the Hanley Foundation’s grant request highlighted the following statistics from the 2015 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey:
- In Hendry County:
- 4 percent of youth had reported using alcohol or illicit drugs, exceeding the statewide average by nearly 8 percent
- 3 percent of the county’s residents live in poverty
- 9 percent of residents under the age of 69 have no health insurance, making it difficult for many to pursue treatment options
- In Putnam County:
- 7 percent of youth had reported using alcohol or illicit drugs, exceeding the statewide average by more than 18 percent
- 5 percent of the county’s residents live in poverty
- 6 percent residents under the age of 69 have no health insurance
In outlining these statistics, the Hanley Foundation’s grant application also noted the Foundation’s long history of serving at-risk populations by providing prevention programs and support for quality treatment for those with mental illnesses co-occurring with substance abuse.
For more information about Hanley Foundation, or to request free prevention programming for a school, church or youth group, please visit www.hanleyfoundation.org or call 561-268-2355.
