The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $1.3 million in grants to three local organizations: Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy, Identity, Inc., and Tree of Hope Association, Inc., to support peer-led, culturally responsive programs addressing youth mental health and substance use, particularly among Black and Latino youth. Funded by settlement agreements with JUUL and Altria, the initiatives focus on prevention, education, and direct support in communities most affected by vaping and substance misuse.
Per the news release: “The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has awarded $1.3 million in competitive grants to three local, community-based organizations committed to addressing youth mental health and substance use. The funds, made available through the County’s share of settlement agreements with JUUL and Altria, will support targeted programs by Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy, Identity, Inc. and Tree of Hope Association, Inc.
The grants are part of the County’s Community Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Grants Program, which prioritizes zip codes most impacted by substance use and focuses on serving Black and Latino youth ages 11 to 24. Each organization is implementing peer-led, culturally responsive strategies that address the root causes and long-term effects of youth vaping and substance use.
“When we held JUUL and Altria accountable, the money coming to Montgomery County has to be used to help the young people who have been harmed by these companies’ actions,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These grants are part of that settlement. We’re supporting grassroots organizations that know their communities and are trusted by the youth they serve, especially in communities that have been hit hardest by the vaping epidemic. That’s how we start to turn things around and reduce youth vaping.”
Funded programs include:
- Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy will expand its “Kicking Life into Gear 2.0: Thriving Edition” initiative. The peer-led program combines soccer, mentorship and community service to promote leadership and encourage healthy life choices.
- Identity, Inc. will launch a “Substance Misuse Prevention & Education Peer Ambassador” initiative, featuring youth-led outreach, culturally informed workshops and community-based events that support families and promote awareness in high-need areas.
- Tree of Hope Association, Inc. will introduce a peer-led “Smoking Cessation and Intervention” program to educate youth about the dangers of smoking and vaping while offering direct cessation support to individuals and families.
“Vaping and substance use among youth remain serious public health concerns, particularly in our most vulnerable communities,” said Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis. “These innovative and culturally responsive programs will provide education and support, while also empowering young people to take control of their health and well-being. We are proud to partner with trusted community organizations to move this important work forward.”
For more information about the Community Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Grants Program, contact Dr. Kisha Davis at [email protected].”
