Substance Abuse Prevention

APIAs often face barriers to health care services, a shortage of prevention programs and human services, and a lack of attention as shown by the scarcity of data that has been collected among this often neglected population. Existing data, however, points to alcohol abuse and smoking as a growing concern in the South Chinatown community, especially among AAPI youth. Since October 2007, The Asian Health Coalition (AHC) has been leading the effort for developing and implementing a comprehensive program for substance abuse prevention in the Asian communities in Bridgeport and Armor Square of Chicago.

AHC began to lay the foundation for a community-based approach by pulling together resources from various stakeholders to form the Coalition for Asian Substance Abuse Prevention (CASAP). CASAP's voice serves to build the capacity of the communities to (1) increase awareness and education on the negative consequences of alcohol use, (2) increase awareness and education on the problem of underage drinking in these communities, and (3) reduce use of alcohol among youth.

The Substance Abuse Prevention Program is currently funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

For more information on this grant, email the Program Manager.