Southeastern Regional Action Council

1. Partnership for Success: Strategic Prevention Framework: In October 2019, SERAC was awarded a 5-year PFS-SPF grant from SAMHSA to increase the capacity of 21 towns in the Quiet Corner of CT to address youth substance use. The geographic under this initiative include the following towns: Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Columbia, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Lebanon, Masfield, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Scotland, Sterling, Thompson, Union, Willington, Windham, and Woodstock. Strengthen the regional infrastructure to implement the steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework by raising the current readiness score for the region to address youth substance use, increase data collection efforts across the 21 towns, reduce the rate of binge drinking among youth by 25% in 2024, reduce the rate of nicotine use (including electronic delivery systems) by 25% in 2024, reduce the rate of ,marijuana abuse by 25% in 2024.2. Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization (RBHAO): One of SERAC's key roles as the RBHAO in region 3 is to maximize resources and improve integration related to mental health and substance use program planning, training, advocacy, and resource development. Some key functions through this initiative include Assessing the behavioral health needs of children, adolescents, and adults across the regions. Developing Regional Strategic Plans to include priority recommendations for prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Administering the Local Prevention Council )LPC) grants to municipalities to stimulate the development and implementation of prevention activities. Building the capacity of local communities to understand and address problem gambling. Raising awareness and providing advocacy to the general public related to mental health promotion and substance use prevention, treatment and recovery. Leveraging funds to support prevention, treatment, and recovery activities across each region. Maintain the statutory requirements for meetings and membership for the organization. Serving on local, regional, and statewide advisory and planning bodies. Providing naloxone (Narcan)training and kit distribution to communities. Problem Gambling- in March 2018, SERAC was awarded a six-year Problem Gambling grant fromDMHAS to build the capacity of local communities to increase awareness to address and reduce the impact of problem gambling on individuals and families by building and strengthening a gambling awareness strategic planning committee names Regional Gambling Awareness Team.3.State Opioid Response Initiative/ Recovery Friendly Workplace: SERAC Community Mini Grant opportunity in Eastern CT with support from the CT Department of Mental Health and Additional Services and federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. CT State Opioid Response Initiative- Community Mini Grants will provide communities with funding to build their capacity to develop and/or enhance local opioid addiction and overdose prevention and response efforts. A Maximum of 14 proposals will be funded through September 29, 2024.