Ann Arbor Times

Two prevention specialists at Eastern Michigan University have obtained $224,756 from the Washtenaw County Opioid Settlement Fund to expand youth substance use prevention programs. The funding will support Prevention@EMU’s evidence-based programming for students aged 11-15 in Washtenaw Alliance for Virtual Education, Early College Alliance, and Ypsilanti Community Schools. The grant will be used for facilitator salaries, program supplies, and materials necessary for interactive education.

"Our mission is to educate youth to make low-risk choices, reduce stigmatized views of individuals with substance use disorder, and promote healthier communities starting with our youngest residents," said Amber Horwitz, co-director of Prevention@EMU. "This funding allows us to reach more students and provide the tools they need to understand risk, make informed decisions, and develop empathy for others in their community."

Prevention@EMU has operated in Washtenaw County for nine years. The program uses clinical knowledge and teaching techniques to engage students on topics such as substance use, vaping, alcohol consumption, allyship, and recovery values. It focuses on early intervention by targeting middle school-aged youth.

"We incorporate evidence-based research with creative, engaging approaches to connect with students,” said Ariel Pompey, co-director of prevention at EMU. “This grant empowers us to expand our program, reaching critical age groups before first use and equipping them with the skills to navigate choices around substance use."

The program emphasizes health equity, community engagement, evidence-based practice, respect, and innovation as its guiding principles.

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 and is Michigan’s second oldest public university. It enrolls nearly 13,000 students across a range of undergraduate and graduate programs through several colleges. EMU is recognized nationally for its academic quality and diversity.