Monday, January 31, 2011

What is Lorain's PRIDE Initiative?

On Friday, October 15, 2010 the City of Lorain received a partnership grant for $1.4 million per year for up to four years to work with the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ADAS) Board of Lorain County to address the impact of economic turmoil (increased unemployment, foreclosures, loss of investments and other distress) in the city. The grant is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Community Resilience and Recovery Initiative (CRRI) and will offer services and supports for families and individuals who are overwhelmed and facing a myriad of issues.

The grant will focus on using existing community health resources to connect to behavioral health needs for the city’s residents. In partnership with the ADAS Board, programs will be offered through the Lorain City Health Department, Lorain County Center for Health & Dentistry, Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and Lorain Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program, Lorain City Schools, Nord Center Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services, Communities That Care of Lorain County, and the Lorain County Board of Mental Health focused on substance abuse prevention, mental health promotion, short-term therapies for depression and anxiety, interventions and other strategies to address resiliency and wellness in the city.

“Our partners are committed to bring healthy activities, develop new employment skills, strengthen family connections, and provide options to those to seek help when needed from health professionals,” cited Mayor Tony Krasienko.

“This project brings together city leadership, service providers and the community to help our city’s residents get through the rough times that we’ve experienced and bring a sense of hope back for their families and ultimately a sense of renewal in our city,” said Elaine Georgas, Executive Director of the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Lorain County.

The first four months of the focused on project planning and start up activities including finalizing MOAs with partner agencies, hiring a project director responsible for community engagement and social marketing, confirming project best practices and training; and developing screening protocols. Ms. Brenda Taylor-Hines was hired as the Project Director on December 1, 2010. A press conference with the Mayor Tony Krasienko was held on January 20, 2011 at Lorain City Hall.

Screenings will begin on February 1, 2011 at Lorain County Health and Dentistry, Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc., Lorain City Health Department and The Nord Center. For more information about The PRIDE Initiative call 282-9920.