Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has been awarded a $3 million federal grant to lead a five-year initiative aimed at preventing substance use among at-risk youth in South Florida. The grant, provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will support the “Rising Strong: Empowering Youth for Substance-Free Futures” program. The initiative will target more than 3,000 youth in Palm Beach and Broward counties through evidence-based and trauma-informed prevention strategies.
The program is led by Maria Carmenza Mejia, M.D., professor of population health at FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, with co-investigators Lea Sacca, Ph.D., and Brian Graves, Ph.D. The initiative focuses on youth who are particularly vulnerable, including those leaving foster care, experiencing housing instability, living in rural areas such as the Glades, and survivors of human trafficking. School-age youth and young adults needing behavioral health support are also a primary focus.
A key partner in the project is the FLITE Center, a Fort Lauderdale-based nonprofit that serves over 2,000 youth transitioning out of foster care, homeless youth, and other vulnerable populations in Broward County.
“We’re in the midst of a growing mental and behavioral health crisis among young people, particularly those navigating trauma, housing instability, or limited access to consistent care and support,” said Mejia. “This award gives us the opportunity to respond with evidence-based strategies, deep empathy, and strong community partnerships. Rising Strong isn’t just a program – it’s a commitment to every young person that their future matters, their voice counts, and that they deserve a life free from substance use and filled with possibilities.”
The Rising Strong program will provide services such as LifeSkills Training for decision-making and interpersonal skills, mindfulness and emotional regulation programming for trauma recovery, peer mentorship for resilience, and SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) for those at risk for substance use. These services will be offered through schools, community centers, and existing behavioral health networks to ensure accessibility.
“This grant represents the best of what we strive for at Florida Atlantic University – collaboration, impact and transformation,” said Lewis S. Nelson, M.D., dean and chief of health affairs at the Schmidt College of Medicine. “When academic expertise joins forces with community leadership, we can reach young people where they are and give them the tools to rewrite their stories. This initiative is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in prevention, listen to our youth, and build systems of care that reflect their lived realities. For families, schools and communities across South Florida, Rising Strong will be a beacon of hope.”
The project also aims to foster long-term change by conducting a regional needs assessment within its first six months and forming a multi-sector prevention coalition to guide implementation. Each year, at least 30 professionals will be trained in trauma-informed and culturally responsive prevention strategies, totaling 150 professionals over five years. The program expects to directly serve 600 youth annually.
“Social work brings a systems lens to prevention by connecting people, policies and practices to create lasting change,” said Naelys Luna, Ph.D., dean of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice. “Rising Strong will not only provide direct services to youth, but also build a stronger, more responsive network of care across South Florida. By training professionals, engaging communities and addressing root causes, this initiative reflects the core values of our field. We are excited to participate in this important endeavor and collaborate with partners dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for our youth and our communities.”
FAU’s experience in behavioral health and community-based research supports the initiative’s goals. The Schmidt College of Medicine and the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice are recognized nationally for their work in trauma-informed care and health equity. The partnership with FLITE Center demonstrates FAU’s commitment to addressing public health challenges through collaboration.
The Rising Strong program is scheduled to continue through September 29, 2030.
“As Rising Strong grows, it has the potential to become a national model for youth substance use prevention that centers community voices, respects lived experience and champions the resilience of young people,” said Mejia.
