Pubdate: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 Source: Source, the (MI) Contact: http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/ Author: Edward Mandel II COALITION TO AWARD GRANTS TO GROUPS THAT CREATE ANTI-SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS Coalition Hears Report On Free Medical Services Available To Ages 10-21. The Northwest Zero Tolerance Coalition is offering mini-grants to student groups and other community organizations in Romeo, Armada and Richmond that create and implement projects promoting zero tolerance of alcohol, tobacco or other drug use among youths. Groups whose applications are approved by the coalition will receive up to $300 in grant money to fund their projects. Deadline to submit a grant is Feb. 11. The coalition will review grant applications during its Feb. 12 meeting at the 42-1 District Court in Bruce Township. For more information or to receive a grant application, call Nancy Jenuwine of Macomb Family Services at 752-9696, Ext. 212. The NZTC is made up of local law enforcement officials, school officials and residents from the area encompassing Romeo, Armada and Richmond. The NZTC, together with substance abuse specialists, spearheads anti-substance abuse programs aimed at young people living in the communities it serves. One of 10 local community coalitions under the umbrella of the Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the NZTC started its ninth year in September. For more information on the activities of all 10 community anti-substance abuse coalitions in the county, people may access the Macomb County Prevention Coalition's new Web site -- www.mcpcweb.org. Jenuwine, a substance abuse prevention specialist with Macomb Family Services in Romeo, said she recently distributed grant applications to officials in the Romeo, Armada and Richmond school districts. She said the NZTC will require successful applicants to document completion of their projects through written summaries, photographs taken at the event and published articles about the event, as well as through other means, if available. Projects need to be completed by June 1, with any unused monies returned to the NZTC. Also during its January meeting, the coalition heard a report from Laurie Johnson, a registered nurse and adolescent health coordinator with New Haven Medical and Community Services. Johnson said the agency recently received a $125,000 Teen Grant from the Michigan Department of Education to support three areas of service offered at her agency - medical, behavioral health and substance abuse counseling, and health education in schools. Johnson said New Haven Medical and Community Services, which is nationally recognized for excellence by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations, offers free medical service to residents of Macomb and St. Clair counties who are 10-21 years of age. Insurance will be billed whenever possible and those younger than 18 require signed consent from a parent or guardian. Youth in the 10-21 age range may obtain the following services free of charge: routine and sports physicals, first aid, immunizations, X-rays, medically prescribed lab tests, nutrition and weight control counseling, acne and skin treatment, ongoing care for chronic conditions, abstinence education, diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, mental health counseling, prevention and counseling services for substance abuse, suicide and crisis intervention, life management skills, wellness education, personal hygiene, reproductive health education, family planning and prenatal care. Johnson said Spanish interpreters are provided if necessary and the agency enrolls people who qualify to use Medicaid. For more information, people may call New Haven Medical and Community Services at 749-5173. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin