PATHWAYS TO HEALTH: A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH TO YOUTH WELL-BEING AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PREVENTION IN GRANVILLE VANCE COUNTIES

This proposal provides actionable recommendations to the County Commissioners of Granville and Vance Counties, North Carolina, for addressing upstream determinants of health that influence community well-being. We focus on youth substance use disorders (SUDs) for those 12-18 years of age. The proposal examines the Social and Community Context domain of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), which includes factors like community engagement, mental health support, and access to safe spaces for youth. Using a combination of local health data analysis, resource mapping, and stakeholder feedback, the proposal outlines strategies for developing a county-level task force aimed at addressing these SDOH through collaborative, community-driven efforts. Key recommendations include establishing youth centers offering substance-free activities and mental health services, integrating comprehensive substance use education and mental health support in schools, and implementing subsidized transportation programs to improve healthcare access. The proposal emphasizes a systems-based approach, incorporating Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Evidence-Based Co-Design (EBCD) methodologies to ensure that interventions are responsive to local needs and are designed with input from the community. By focusing on the upstream factors that contribute to youth SUD, these recommendations aim to create long-term, sustainable improvements in community health, promote resilience, and reduce health inequities across Granville and Vance counties. Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Substance Use Disorder, Vance County, Granville County, Youth