The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has awarded $1.3 million in competitive grants to three local, community-
based organizations committed to addressing youth mental health and substance use.
The funds, made available through the County’s share of settlement agreements with JUUL and Altria, will support targeted programs by Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy, Identity, Inc. and Tree of Hope Association, Inc.
“When we held JUUL and Altria accountable, the money coming to Montgomery County has to be used to help the young people who have been harmed by these companies’ actions,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These grants are part of that settlement. We’re supporting grassroots organizations that know their communities and are trusted by the youth they serve, especially in communities that have been hit hardest by the vaping epidemic. That’s how we start to turn things around and reduce youth vaping.”
The grants are part of the County’s Community Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Grants Program, which prioritizes zip codes most impacted by substance use and focuses on serving Black and Latino youth ages 11 to 24. Each organization is implementing peer-led, culturally responsive strategies that address the root causes and long-term effects of youth vaping and substance use.
