Thursday, December 29, 2011

Dear Friend of IHEC,


As you are probably aware, our funding status for our Substance Abuse Prevention Program grant has been somewhat uncertain during the current fiscal year, as a result of changes the Illinois Department of Human Services has been making to the statewide substance abuse system. The following information will provide you with the current status of IHEC funding, staffing and plans.

IHEC Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws FY 12 Funding
The EUDL grant is fully funded through May 31, 2012. There are currently 7 schools who are being funded through the IHEC EUDL grant. All of them are doing excellent work on their campuses. We have started conducting EUDL online meetings. Information on upcoming EUDL online meetings can be found on our website, www.eiu.edu/ihec. We encourage all of you to take advantage of the webinars. They are a great way to hear what is going on across the state regarding underage alcohol enforcement activities.

IHEC Substance Abuse Prevention Program FY 12 Funding Extended to 1/31/2012
In late October, Eastern was notified by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that the current Substance Abuse Prevention Program would conclude on 12/31/2011. IHEC staff therefore did not plan any major activities or events after that date. Prior to Christmas, we were notified that the current SAPP grant would be extended until 1/31/2012. We will be doing our best to offer some form of continuing education through webinars, and possibly a live-training. We will also continue to disseminate communiqués, utilize social media, and provide technical assistance and consultation to the best of our ability and scheduling.

IHEC Substance Abuse Prevention Program Statewide Capacity Building Grant RFP
Eastern still awaits word from the state regarding the status of the Substance Abuse Prevention Program grant proposal submitted to the state in early December. IDHS had originally hoped to notify those entities being funded by the new year, with an anticipated start date in mid-January to early-February. Based on the extension of the current grant, we are assuming that the intended timelines are now further delayed for an unforeseen amount of time. At this time, we can only assume that our ability to provide services, programs and trainings funded through the SAPP program will be greatly minimized after 1/31. If we do receive funding, we will hit the ground running as soon as a fully executed contract is signed by both IDHS and EIU authorities.

IHEC Substance Abuse Prevention Program Funded Staffing
Jessica Wright continues to oversee the EUDL grant, and will continue to work with our schools. Effective January 3, Amanda Woolard will no longer be working as an Assistant Director for IHEC, but working as the EIU Health Service’s Assistant Director for Health Education and Promotions. With the unanticipated extension of the current SAPP grant, day-to-day operations will be covered by Eric Davidson, Jessica Wright, Laura Humphreys and several spring interns. At this time, Amanda’s position will remain vacant until further information is known regarding the status of the State Capacity Building grant proposal.

Programming After 2/1/2012
Until Eastern receives word concerning the status of the State Capacity Building grant proposal, and if funded, until a fully executed contract is signed, IHEC staff members will be limited in the services and programs we are able to offer after February 1. While we have and will continue to do our best to plan, without secured funding, services such as the Statewide CORE Survey administration, affiliate meetings, trainings, may not be able to be offered. We will do our best to provide you with services and keep you informed about our funding and programming status.


Thank you, once again, for your continued support and utilization of our services and programs. We understand that our funding status not only impacts us, but many of our friends and partners at our affiliate institutions and agencies.

Sincerely,
Eric