3 agencies get anti-drinking grants, more funding is offered
LIHU‘E — A total of three local agencies will receive a total of over $250,000 for programs to prevent underage drinking, and more money is available, a county press release states.
The county Anti-Drug Office announced awards of $262,487 to Hale Kipa, Hale ‘Opio and Hina Mauka, and that a second round of state funding is available to those applying by Nov. 30.
The three agencies will be implementing evidence-based programs at school and community sites, with prevention of underage drinking the focus.
Hale Kipa received $85,000 for its All Stars program, which is designed to prevent and delay the onset of high-risk behaviors amongst middle- and high-school students, such as drug use, violence and premature sexual activity.
The curriculum of the All Stars program centers on five concepts:
— Developing positive ideals that do not fit with high-risk behavior;
— Creating a belief in conventional norms;
— Building strong personal commitments;
— Bonding with school, pro-social institutions and family;
— Increasing positive parental attentiveness.
Hale ‘Opio was awarded $79,867 to launch a Positive Action program, which is the only program on the National Registry of Effective Programs that is found to be effective in preventing alcohol use among Native Hawaiian and Pacific island populations in a rural environment, the release states.
Since it was first introduced 25 years ago, the character-based program has proven to have a positive effect on academics, behavior and character.
Hina Mauka received $97,620 to implement three evidence-based programs including: STARS, Project ALERT and Teen Intervene. Each of the programs target different segments of the middle- and high-school student populations.
Funding for the programs is provided through a Strategic Prevention Framework Incentive Grant the county received from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration through the state Department of Health Alcohol Drug Abuse Division.
Proposals are now being accepted for the second round of contracts for programs aimed at preventing underage drinking.
Agency representatives interested in becoming service providers for these types of programs may obtain a proposal document from the county Department of Finance Purchasing Division, suite 303, at the Lihu‘e Civic Center.
The deadline to submit a proposal is 2 p.m. Nov. 30.
For more information, contact the county Anti-Drug Office, 241-4925.