The Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board has awarded DCCCA $594,519 for three projects to enhance comprehensive substance misuse efforts throughout Kansas. The projects include a Douglas County school-based prevention pilot, targeted naloxone distribution in Johnson, Shawnee, and Wyandotte counties, as well as an increase to men’s residential and outpatient treatment services in Kansas.

“This is a wonderful way for us to expand our prevention resources and address substance use disorders,” DCCCA Chief Community Based Services Officer Chrissy Mayer said. “These projects will engage community partners across the state to help create healthy environments for those we serve.”

DCCCA proposed a prevention pilot for two school districts in Douglas County to support and engage students in a variety of social, emotional, and behavioral health outcomes. Prevention specialists will focus on building skills to serve in a leadership capacity and develop youth-led initiatives.

DCCCA currently operates a statewide naloxone distribution project and will address significant naloxone demand in Johnson, Shawnee, and Wyandotte counties. The proposal includes a collaboration with Oxford houses in Kansas to equip these homes with 400 naloxone kits. DCCCA will also install a naloxone vending machine in Wyandotte County to increase accessibility.

The other project will focus on expansion of men’s treatment services at DCCCA’s Options Adult Services in Wichita for both residential and outpatient settings. DCCCA utilizes evidence-based practices and principles as defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.