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FSM Agencies Come Together to Apply for Grant for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): June 24, 2010 - For one week, from June 14-18, representatives of the following programs and departments: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program (SAMH), Department of Public Health, Department of Public Safety, State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW) and National Advisory Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, came from across the Nation to Pohnpei, to work together for the application of a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The grant, called the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG), if awarded to the FSM, will be used to: (i) prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance abuse, including childhood and underage drinking; (ii) reduce substance abuse-related problems in communities; and (iii) build prevention capacity and infrastructure at the State and community levels.

SEOW is based in Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae, gathered data during the period between September 2008 and February 2009, to provide a comprehensive and accurate snapshot of the local alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug situation in FSM. Based on the data collected by the SEOWs, the representatives referenced above were able to identify the prevention priorities and specific intervention plans which they would like to put in place as a result of the SPF SIG grant.

SEOW data results proved to be quite sobering: four out of the five top causes of mortality in the FSM are tobacco-related, and five of the ten top causes of mortality are alcohol-related. In both areas, consumption rates are markedly higher among males and being out of school proved to amplify the likelihood of alcohol consumption.