Strong Minds

The Passamaquoddy Tribe is facing a variety of risks that threaten the health and well-being of its youth. Washington County, where the tribe is located, has a high rate of opiate abuse. Crime, child abuse/neglect, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and poverty combine to create a social climate characterized by broken families, low educational achievement, chronic stress, and health, mental health, and substance use disorders. Through this TYP grant, the tribe plans to create and promote activities that will help combat alcoholism, substance abuse, and criminal activity among tribal youth; as well as improving the atmosphere of the entire community. The tribe proposes a collaboration among the school, recreation department, mental health and substance abuse service providers, law enforcement and human service agencies to develop a strategic plan to address the tribe's difficulties and integrate cultural traditions into Western prevention and therapeutic techniques. CA/NCF