$200K grant to help dozens of Johnson Co. parents fight addiction
JOHNSON CO., Kan. (KCTV) - A $200,000 grant is expected to help dozens of parents fight addiction and better communicate with their children.
Johnson County, Kansas, leaders have announced that the Johnson County Mental Health Center was awarded a $200,000 Kansas Fights Addiction grant to help parents and families address the root causes of substance use.
County mental health officials indicated that the funds will allow for the continuation of the Strengthening Families Program and the implementation of a new parenting education curriculum.
The Johnson County Board of Commissioners voted on Thursday, Feb. 27, to accept the grant presented by the State of Kansas.
“Research shows that strong parenting skills and family connections are among the most effective protective factors against substance use,” said Sierra Wright, Community Prevention Manager at Johnson County Mental Health Center. “This funding will allow us to equip more parents and caregivers with the tools they need to build positive relationships, strengthen communication and, ultimately, reduce the risk of substance use in our community.”
County leaders noted that the grant s evidence-based programs that cover key parenting topics - including conflict resolution, healthy communication strategies, preparing for electronic device and social media use, ing a child experiencing a mental health crisis and substance use prevention.
The Mental Health Center said it has offered the Strengthening Families Program for more than a decade and has served nearly 150 families. The program includes structured lessons, exercises and to allow parents and children to practice the communication and conflict resolution skills in a safe environment.
The program is expected to serve more families than ever in 2025 through the grant.
Mental health officials also said that JCMHC has been working to develop a new parenting education curriculum for those with children ages 5 to 17. Each week, parents will work with a mental health professional on a single topic to develop skills to better communicate.
County leaders noted that the 9-week class will be offered virtually as the grant funds are expected to help more than 50 parents participate in 2025. Both programs connect to a helpful parenting resource also ed by the grant funds.
“Many families struggle with maintaining open communication and managing behavior issues. We’re hopeful these programs will help parents feel empowered and resilient, which will improve outcomes for them and their children,” said Wright.
For more information about the Johnson County Mental Health Center, click HERE.
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