Kaptur Announces $375,000 SAMHSA Award for Sandusky County to Enhance Substance Abuse Prevention InitiativesPress ReleaseHealth Care

Toledo, Ohio - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that the Sandusky County Board of Health has been awarded $375,000 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The award, under the program "Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance," will support the "Enhancing Prevention Initiative and Infrastructure Consortium" (EPIIC) project aimed at addressing substance abuse prevention in the county.

This funding will be instrumental in fortifying Sandusky County's efforts to combat substance abuse by enhancing local prevention strategies, improving community outreach, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in the region. The funding will help to build on existing infrastructure and develop new, evidence-based prevention initiatives that directly address the unique needs of the community.

"This critical funding will empower Sandusky County to take significant steps in preventing substance abuse while promoting mental health," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "The health and well-being of our communities are of utmost importance, and this award will provide the necessary resources to support these vital efforts."

The project is spearheaded by Charlotte Stonerook, the Health Education Coordinator and Supervisor of the Health Planning and Education Division at the Sandusky County Board of Health. With over 20 years of experience in community health and a deep commitment to addressing at-risk behaviors among youth and adults, Ms. Stonerook will lead the EPIIC project. Her expertise in developing and implementing prevention strategies will be crucial in ensuring the success of this initiative.

"We are honored to receive the SPF-PFS grant from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention," said Charlotte Stonerook, the Coalition Coordinator forPrevention Partnership of Sandusky County. "This essential funding will support our efforts in preventing substance abuse among youth, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges of vaping nicotine and marijuana use among individuals aged 9 to 18. Sandusky County Public Health, along with the Prevention Partnership Coalition of Sandusky County, will take the lead on this project. We are also excited to collaborate with neighboring counties - Seneca, Ottawa, Wyandot, and Huron - to implement a comprehensive prevention strategy. We are grateful for this support and look forward to making a significant, positive impact in our communities over the next five years."

The EPIIC project will serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges, demonstrating the impact that well-coordinated, community-driven prevention efforts can have on reducing substance abuse and improving mental health outcomes.

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