Prevention Action Alliance (PAA) is proud to partner with Kent State University’s Center for Public Policy and Health on a five-year initiative to strengthen substance use prevention across eastern Ohio.
Together, PAA and Kent State have been awarded a $3 million Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The five-year initiative will serve 20 predominantly rural and Appalachian Ohio counties.
The goal is to strengthen prevention at the local level.
"Prevention is most powerful when communities have the tools to act early. This investment will help strengthen coordinated prevention systems across eastern and southeastern Ohio and support healthier futures for young people, families, and communities."
Strengthening Prevention Across Eastern Ohio
The initiative will build regional prevention capacity, expand access to timely substance use data, strengthen community partnerships, and support evidence-based strategies that address local needs.
One important piece of that work is better access to data. The initiative will expand access to Insight, Kent State’s data dashboard platform, providing prevention professionals and community leaders with timely public health, behavioral health, and community data to guide prevention strategies, policies, and resources.
PAA will help communities put that information into action. Through regional advisory committees, community-driven planning, and training and technical assistance, PAA will support communities in turning data and local insights into effective prevention efforts.
Deric Kenne reviewing a map of Ohio. Photo credit: Rami Daud
“This grant will help strengthen substance use prevention and improve community well-being in Ohio. Our partnership with Prevention Action Alliance brings together data, prevention expertise, and community relationships to build resilience across eastern Ohio.”
This work is rooted in partnership. PAA looks forward to working alongside Kent State and communities throughout the region to strengthen the systems, relationships, and resources that make effective prevention possible.
Read Kent State University’s full announcement about the partnership and grant.
This project is supported by a Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).