RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition Awarded Federal Grant to Support Youth in Otsego County
Drug-Free Communities grant will strengthen local partnerships and expand prevention efforts
RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition (RISE), part of the Community Health Division of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW), has been awarded a $625,000 federal grant over five years to help prevent substance use among youth in Otsego County.
The funding is provided through the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and is managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“This funding gives RISE a chance to keep building on the great work already happening in Otsego County,” said Ellen Templeton, RISE Project Coordinator. “It will help us bring more people together, involve youth and families, and strengthen prevention efforts across the community.”
The DFC program supports community coalitions working to prevent and reduce youth substance use by addressing local conditions and strengthening factors that help young people make healthy choices.
The DFC program focuses on two key goals:
• Build strong community partnerships: Bringing schools, families, law enforcement, health organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and other community partners together to prevent youth substance use.
• Reduce substance use among youth: By addressing factors that can increase the risk of substance use while strengthening the factors that help young people make healthy choices.
“Receiving the DFC grant is a tremendous benefit to Otsego County and to the young people and families we serve,” said Matt Muladore, Undersheriff of Otsego County and RISE Board Chair. “As law enforcement, we know that addressing substance use cannot be accomplished by one agency alone. By investing in prevention, education, and positive community connection today, we are working to build a healthier, safer future for Otsego County tomorrow. I am proud to chair the RISE board and grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work.”
About RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition
Established in 2018, RISE works to help local youth reach their full potential by preventing substance use. Through education, community partnerships, and prevention efforts, the coalition works to reduce youth use of alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and other drugs in Otsego County.
RISE brings together students, parents, schools, and community partners to provide information and resources that support healthy choices and create lasting, positive change.
For more information about RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition visit their website at riseotsego.com. For more information on HDNW and the services offered, visit our website at nwhealth.org.
.jpg)