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Jackson State University’s Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition Department (MJCPC) had their Substance Abuse Prevention Block Grant renewed by the Mental Health Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Services. The department will receive $304,488 for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
“I have truly enjoyed working in the field of prevention for nine years. It has been a true blessing to educate our youth and community about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs,” said Henry C. Thompson, Jr., MJCPC director and principal investigator of the grant.
This renewal also marks MJCOC’s 31st year to receive funding in the field of substance abuse prevention. The purpose of the grant is to provide evidence-based substance abuse prevention services to local schools, colleges, and communities. Metro Jackson serves K-12 schools, colleges, and the collective Jackson community.
Additionally, the grant helps with developing and implementing an age-appropriate, culturally relevant comprehensive prevention program which includes a broad array of strategies directed at individuals not identified to be in need of treatment.
“I am proud of Henry and his team for continued success because these services are needed in our community,” said Heather Denne’, Ph.D., director of community engagement at JSU. “One of my favorite events that MJCPC puts on is the annual Glow Stick Party, which shows JSU students that they can have fun without using drugs or alcohol.”
Prevention activities and services are offered in a variety of settings for elementary through secondary schools, the Jackson State University campus, the general population and sub-groups at high-risk for substance abuse.
MJCPC was originally formed in 1995 under the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) Community Prevention initiative. The Coalition is an expansion of an earlier CSAP five-year Community Partnership initiative “Jackson Takes a Stand Community Partnership.”
Media Contact: Kyle.d.kidd-buckner@jsums.edu