Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA), which directs the operation of community-based services for citizens with mental health issues, addictive disorders and developmental disabilities, signed agreements this week to provide mini-grant funding to Wossman High School and Richwood Middle School.
The mini-grants will provide Wossman High and Richwood Middle with funds to create student-produced public service announcements (PSA) that aim to build youth awareness around serious problems and health risks associated with underage alcohol use, tobacco use, prescription drug use, the impact of suicide, bullying, cyberbullying and general violence. A top PSA will be chosen at both schools from the student groups who apply. “The students’ PSA work will help reinforce the goals of these mini-grants: namely that violence, bullying and substance abuse can be significantly reduced and that prosocial interactions are required to lead a productive life and have a thriving community,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director.
“By awarding these mini-grants to south Monroe Opportunity Zone schools, NE Delta HSA is reinforcing to these students that their lives are important,” said Dr. Sizer. “These mini-grants give the students a voice and another opportunity for success. Delivering a community PSA offers the students a creative way for them to learn how to help themselves and their peers address serious issues that teens face every day.”
Dr. Eric Davis, Wossman High School Principal said, “There is a great need for positivity within our schools and communities. This initiative has provided hope for our kids and has allowed them to participate in things and activities that might have been difficult to do otherwise. We are looking forward to the continual partnership with NE Delta HSA.”
“Richwood Middle School is excited to be a part of this great movement of bringing awareness to Underage Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug usage,” said Richwood Middle Principal Orlando Freemont. “We are always willing to do our part in assisting and relaying the message of promoting positive decisions and encouraging healthy lifestyles to our schools and community.”
The NE Delta HSA mini-grants come from federal funds through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Center for Substance Abuse and Prevention (SAMHSA – CSAP) Partnership Grant.
The mini-grants are one facet of the NE Delta HSA Opportunity Zone initiative, which works to engage the south Monroe community to realize positive health outcomes. The Opportunity Zone grew out of NE Delta HSA’s faith-based mental health community summits. It is one of several NE Delta HSA-initiated regional coalitions that are designed to transform communities and reduce mental health and addiction prevalence, improve primary healthcare outcomes, reduce crime rates, enhance academic performance, equip faith and community leaders and establish and support public policies.
“Not only do we want to ensure that students within our regional communities have information and access to the healthcare they need,” said Dr. Sizer, “We are also so proud to create, sponsor and support positive activities that give them additional opportunities to succeed.”
Click here to read about additional, recent NE Delta HSA Opportunity Zone activities with Wossman High School.
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NE Delta HSA, in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Ruston, is sponsoring an upcoming Law Enforcement/Mental Health public symposium, which will focus on “Alternatives to the Prison Pipeline.” The symposium is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2 at the Ruston Civic Center. Click here for event registration information.
About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA)
NE Delta HSA directs the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life of people with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders.
NE Delta HSA is devoted to deliver programs and services that encourage people to reach their true human potential. NE Delta HSA uses a nationally-recognized, integrative approach that addresses citizens’ behavioral and primary healthcare needs. The agency works collaboratively with regional partners in prevention, education, business and in regional municipalities and parishes to serve its citizens. NE Delta HSA works to reduce barriers to quality healthcare that arise from negative societal health determinants such as poverty, joblessness and access to adequate housing.
Three tenets guide our efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care. NE Delta HSA serves citizens in 12 parishes of northeastern Louisiana: Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland and Union. For more information, please visit our website at www.nedeltahsa.org or call 318-362-3270.
NE Delta HSA Media Contact:
Jill Hirsekorn Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street ▪ Monroe, Louisiana 71201
Phone 318-362-3270
jill.hirsekorn@la.gov
NE Delta HSA Press and Media
