Coalition receives teen alcohol use prevention grant

A Lincoln County coalition aimed at preventing teens from diving into the world of drinking, smoking and doing drugs received more than $47,000 in federal grants to expand its reach.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded Lincoln County Unite for Youth $47,156 to help fight early drinking.

The award was part of the administration’s announcement to grant up to $141,000 in funding for substance use prevention programs in Montana over the next several years to programs aimed at preventing mental and substance use disorders.

Kana Enomoto, the deputy administrator for the federal administration, said the money is an important step to create a foundation for healthier communities.

“These grants can help save lives and support young people to create healthier, more fulfilling, and addiction-free futures for themselves and their peers,” Enomoto said.

Unite for Youth could see up to $47,156 annually.

Butte Cares, Inc., in Butte, and Alliance for Youth in Great Falls also received funding.

MONTANA’S SUBSTANCE abuse rates are often above national averages.

According to a 2014 survey by SAMHSA, roughly 7,000 Montanans between 12 and 17 years old reported using illicit drugs within the month prior to being surveyed. That number represents 10 percent of the state’s adolescents.

In 2013, authorities recorded 1,975 Montana minors in possession of alcohol, according to the 2015 State Report to Congress. At the same time, roughly 19,000 Montanans from 12 years old to 20 reported binge drinking — or, 16.2 percent of the state’s population in that age range.

In comparison, the national average is 13.8 percent. SAMHSA defines binge drinking as drinking 5 or more alcoholic drinks on the same occasion on at least 1 day in the past 30 days.

A survey by the Office of Adolescent Health found 21 percent of Montanans said they drank alcohol before 13. The national average is just slightly below that at 20 percent.

However, Montana youth are more willing to take risks while drinking when compared to national averages.

According to the survey, 11 percent of high school students reported driving after drinking. The national average stops at 8 percent. The same study found 26 percent of students got in a car with a driver who had been drinking.

The grant programs going to Montana included in this SAMHSA effort are Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act, also known as STOP Act grants.

STOP Act grant funds focus primarily on strengthening collaboration among community entities to reduce alcohol use among youth.

Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at khoughton@dailyinterlake.com.