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FSM Receives Strategic Prevention Framework Grant from the United States

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): December 4, 2009 - The FSM has recently received a five-year Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant amount totals $1,276,606 each year for 5 years and proposes to develop a comprehensive Strategic Prevention Framework, resulting in data-driven, community based substance abuse prevention activities for the entire population of the FSM.

In response to receiving this grant, President Mori has called for a National Advisory Council to be formed which will be charged with the building up of national, state and local level coalitions to address the topic of prevention of substance abuse and help guide the nation in this effort. President Mori has called for members of this council to come from the FSM Departments of Health & Social Affairs, Education, and Justice and has invited Speaker Isaac Figir of the 16^th FSM Congress, FSM Supreme Court Chief Justice Andon Amaraich, and the President of COM-FSM, Mr. Spensin James, to nominate a person from their respective organizations for the President to consider to join the council.

In his memo announcing the grant, the President explained that the coalitions, which will be "built up", will need to help the FSM learn more about prevention so that it can be more effective in preventing youth, as well as adults, from taking alcohol and other drugs. The council will be tasked to meet periodically to begin the process of steering the nation toward effective prevention strategies and programs.

For more information on this grant, please contact Mr. Kerio Walliby at the FSM Substance Abuse and Mental Health Office (691)-320-5520.