The Albany County Legislature, in conjunction with the Albany County Department of Health and the Albany County Executive’s Office has announced the availability of $150,000 of the Albany County Improvement Initiative for the purposes of tobacco and substance use prevention education in schools.
Donor Name: Albany County
State: New York
County: Albany County (NY)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/04/2024
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This countywide initiative is crucial for addressing the alarming rise in tobacco, electronic cigarette use, and substance use among teens and young adults. Tobacco addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition that presents complex health challenges and impairs brain development. The process of quitting is difficult, compounded by stress, stigma, and insufficient support, which is why prevention education is important. Further, smoking is a significant contributor to various cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, lung cancers, societal challenges, and the leading cause of preventable deaths in Albany County.
The increase in vaping and marijuana use among teens and young adults presents significant concerns due to the associated health risks, including addiction, impaired brain development, and potential long-term damage to lung tissue. These substances can disrupt cognitive and emotional development, elevate the risk of addiction, and potentially lead to the use of more harmful substances. Furthermore, regular use can result in social and behavioral issues, such as disengagement and disassociation from educational and extracurricular activities.
Tobacco and substance use education prevention programs funded through this initiative aim to reduce the initiation of substance use among children and youth, promote cessation among youth, and minimize exposure to secondhand smoke. The school systems serve as community hubs where students spend a significant portion of their day engaging with their peers and educators. Making resources available and accessible for all students during their most critical years when habits and behaviors are forming is a significant step forward to successfully reduce smoking and substance use.
Funding Information
Individual grant awards will range up to $15,000.
Project Criteria 

Programs must demonstrate that they will provide at least one of the following:

Education designed for school-age children and young adults that, at minimum, addresses tobacco use prevention and cessation strategies and the dangers of tobacco use;
Counseling regarding the use of all types of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes or other vaping devices;
Programs that address prevention and cessation methods for various types of drugs;
Training for teachers, health professionals, and others regarding tobacco and electronic cigarettes use, including cessation and prevention methods;
Activities to prevent the sale or furnishing by other means of cigarettes or tobacco products to minors; or
Programs that are designed to eliminate health disparities among segments of the population that have higher than average tobacco burdens.

Additionally, all respondents must:

Submit a completed application meeting all requirements; and
Demonstrate the capacity to administer and implement the program effectively.

Eligibility Criteria 

Public school districts and charter schools within Albany County applying for funding to:

Hire, train, and support additional tobacco and substance use education;
Launch public education campaigns; and
Create media awareness campaigns that can reach children and young adults (using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, Threads, etc.).

Private individuals, non-profits organizations, for-profit corporations, and other non-public entities may also apply.

For more information, visit Albany County.