Geosciences Core Research: Atmospheric, Geospace, Earth and Ocean Sciences (GEO Core)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2009 to fund Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grants (SPF SIGs). The purpose of the SPF SIG program is to provide funding to States, Federally recognized Tribes and U.S. Territories* in order to: Prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance abuse, including childhood and underage drinking; Reduce substance abuse-related problems; and Build prevention capacity and infrastructure at the State, tribal, territorial and community-levels. *For the purposes of this announcement, the dual term “States/Tribes” used throughout the text will also be inclusive of the U.S. Territories and the District of Columbia. The Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) is built on a community-based approach to prevention and a series of implementation principles that can be operationalized at the Federal, State and community levels. Although the direct recipients of SPF SIG funds will be States/Tribes, SAMHSA envisions the SPF SIGs being implemented through partnerships between the States/Tribes and communities. Descriptions of Required Activities (Part I, Sections 2.2 and 2.3) and Evaluation Criteria (Part V, Sections 1.1 and 1.2) under this announcement are divided into two discrete parts: one directed to States and Territories and the other directed to Federally recognized Tribes. Applicants should pay close attention to the instructions and guidance provided to the eligible group under which they may apply. Where appropriate, instructions that pertain to both groups will be specified accordingly. The SPF SIG program provides an effective, comprehensive prevention process, a direction and a common set of goals to be adopted and integrated at all levels. Research has shown that to effectively change attitudes, perception, and ultimately, behavior, prevention strategies must include a comprehensive approach that addresses both the individual and the environment. Substance abuse prevention strategies that address the shared environment are the most effective approach for large populations and are the most cost effective. It is critical for States/Tribes to develop an infrastructure that supports the implementation of the most effective programs, policies and practices. The SPF SIG program is one of SAMHSA’s infrastructure and service delivery grant programs. The program supports an array of activities to help grantees build a solid foundation for delivering and sustaining effective substance abuse prevention services and reducing substance abuse problems. Following the SPF five-step process, SPF SIG grantees develop comprehensive plans for prevention infrastructure and systems at the State and tribal levels. Ultimately, SPF SIG States/Tribes assist and support selected subrecipient communities to implement effective programs, policies and practices to reduce substance abuse and its related problems. SAMHSA recognizes that each applicant will start from a unique point in developing infrastructure and will serve subrecipient communities and populations with specific needs. Awardees may pursue diverse strategies and methods to achieve their infrastructure development and capacity expansion goals. Successful applicants will provide a coherent and detailed conceptual “roadmap” of the process by which they have assessed or intend to assess service system needs and plan/implement infrastructure development strategies that meet those needs. The plan put forward in the grant application must show the linkages among needs, the proposed infrastructure development strategy, and increased system capacity that will enhance and sustain effective programs and services. As of April 2008, approximately 1.64 million men and women have deployed to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in support of the Global War on Terror. Individuals returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are at increased risk for suffering post-traumatic stress and other related disorders. Experts estimate that up to one-third of returning veterans will need mental health and/or substance abuse treatment and related services. In addition, the family members of returning veterans have an increased need for related support services. To address these concerns, SAMHSA strongly encourages all applicants to consider the unique needs of returning veterans and their families in developing their proposed project. The use of alcohol by children and youth under the age of 21 continues to be a severe and persistent problem in States, Territories and Tribes. SAMHSA/CSAP is committed to bringing down the rates of underage drinking. The SPF SIG program offers an excellent vehicle for supporting this goal. Accordingly, SAMHSA/CSAP encourages applicants to carefully consider the problem of underage drinking in their respective communities and population(s) of focus and address it when documented in their needs assessment as part of Step 1 of the SPF process. The SPF SIG program is authorized under section 516 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. This announcement addresses Healthy People 2010 focus area 26, Substance Abuse.