CAPE, The Council on Addiction Prevention and Education, of Dutchess County Awarded State Grant to Expand Services

The Council on Addiction Prevention and Education (CAPE) of Dutchess County has been awarded a second-year State Opioid Response Grant (SOR) from New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS). This funding will allow CAPE to expand its initiatives to prevent and reduce youth substance use.

According to data from Dutchess County Youth Development Survey, Monitoring the Future Survey, CDC Overdose Data and anecdotal data from school administrators, youth vaping and consuming cannabis edibles on school grounds is problematic. Additionally, Dutchess County has also seen a recent spike in overdose deaths which is listed as 2nd highest in New York State.

CAPE serves as the only NYS OASAS designated prevention provider in Dutchess County, and it coordinates prevention, recovery, and harm reduction efforts in educational, community and other settings. CAPE is committed to partnerships with school districts, law enforcement, behavioral health, and community service organizations to address the substance use crisis in the county. CAPE focuses on enhancing school policies to include early intervention services of Teen Intervene, an evidence-based program, and an alternative to suspension, for youth (age 12-19) who exhibit mild to moderate problems associated with vaping, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Motivational interviewing techniques guide this intervention to develop/improve communication and coping skills, and to educate students about the harmful effects of substance use on health.

“We’ve received direct positive feedback from schools that updating their policies has been successful in reducing youth substance use,” said Mike Balles, agency director, CAPE of Dutchess County. “By addressing the early onset of use through practices that promote awareness and change prior to punishment, we have seen positive outcomes.”

For more information on CAPE’s services, or to establish a relationship on behalf of your elementary, middle or high school, please contact Dora Celestino at (845) 765-8301 (ext. 104) or via email at dcelestino@capedc.org.