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Early Childhood
Education - Family Services
- Prevention Services
August 27, 2020
MERRILLVILLE, IN – Drug overdoses and alcohol consumption continue to soar around the country during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Anxiety, grief, isolation, financial worries, changes at home and work, and an ongoing sense of uncertainty can threaten people with a substance use disorder and those at risk of developing one—including our Region’s youth. To address these factors, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention has awarded Geminus a $300,000 grant to equip Lake County children and teens with effective prevention practices that reduce or delay substance misuse.
“Students, young adults, and their families are feeling more isolated than ever,” said Amanda Morrison, program manager for Geminus. “And, we know social isolation is a risk factor for increasing substance misuse and poor mental health. As parents and schools transition to online learning, we can adapt our programming to meet their education choices and their community’s levels of risk.”
SAMHSA supports evidence-based prevention programming that boost protective factors, reduce risk factors for substance use, and are matched to their target population’s risk level. Geminus was one of two entities in Indiana to receive SAMHSA’s highly competitive Partnerships for Success grant.
In addition to modifying the programming for online learning, the grant will fund training, resources, and awareness campaigns targeting youth and adults in Lake County. The programming is also offered in-person.
For more information about these services, contact Amanda Morrison at Amanda.morrison@geminus.care or 219-757-1835.
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About Geminus Corporation
Geminus Corporation partners with community-based health care providers, social service organizations, and early childhood education programs to help increase Hoosiers' access to high-quality care. As Northern Indiana’s largest nonprofit administrative service organization, Geminus also provides support services for health care nonprofits and human service organizations. For more information, visit www.geminus.care.
Geminus supports early childhood education, family services, and prevention programs in Northwest and Northern Indiana. Our network of partners includes community-based health care and social services, welcoming Indiana residents of all ages and income levels with fully integrated, streamlined services.
