Five community organizations across the state were recently awarded $45,340 in Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) Alcohol Education and Prevention grants to help reduce underage and high-risk drinking.
The selected organizations’ proposed projects will aim to prevent high-risk drinking and the devastating impact it can have on Virginia’s communities. From tackling problematic alcohol consumption on college campuses to addressing boating alcohol safety, grantees will reach audiences across the lifespan with the important message of prevention.
Over the coming year, these grantees will work in partnership with Virginia ABC’s Community Health and Engagement Division staff to implement their plans.
“Virginia ABC’s Community Health and Engagement Division works to eliminate underage and high-risk drinking by building the capacity of community groups to educate individuals and prevent alcohol misuse,” said Virginia ABC CEO Dale Farino. “We look forward to partnering with these grantees to positively impact the communities they serve.”
The 2024-25 grantees include: Blue Ridge Behavioral Health (BRBH) Care – $10,000
Roanoke Prevention Alliance will partner with five substance abuse prevention coalitions through the BRBH Prevention and Wellness program to reach the Roanoke Valley. BRBH will work with public high schools in Roanoke, Salem and Craig and Botetourt counties as well as the Roanoke Police Department to create a 15-second PSA to promote the campaign; Boys and Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula – $5,340 The project will incorporate the evidence-based Positive Action curriculum into programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Virginia Peninsula.
The Positive Action curriculum will be administered to over 2,000 youth ages 6-18 years old; Hampden-Sydney College – $10,000 The project aims to reduce problematic alcohol consumption by students at the college. Through partnerships with Residence Life, Athletics and Greek Life, a network of health professionals on campus will develop a “train the trainer” workshop for their Alcohol Skills Training Program that will be implemented with first year students at Hampden-Sydney; Kinsale Venture LLC – $10,000 The project will promote safe boating practices and responsible drinking within the Kinsale community of Westmoreland County. Additionally, this initiative will leverage partnerships with local businesses to promote responsible drinking and offer incentives for designated drivers, and Old Dominion University (ODU) – $10,000 The project will educate ODU students about the risks associated with underage and high-risk drinking of alcohol, and alcohol’s relationship with other substance use. Promotional items will be distributed at various events throughout the academic year to increase engagement and further educate students.
Those interested in learning more about the Virginia ABC Alcohol Education and Prevention Grant Program or other education and prevention programs can visit https://www.abc.virginia.gov/education/grants.
