Middletown Prevention Coalition Secures Major Federal Grant To Fight Drug Misuse, More
MIDDLETOWN PREVENTION COALITION SECURES MAJOR FEDERAL GRANT TO FIGHT DRUG MISUSE, MORE
MIDDLETOWN, RI (SEPTEMBER 3, 2025) – The Middletown Prevention Coalition got some good news in its drive to build a healthier community.
Recently, the Coalition learned the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded a significant Strategic Prevention-Partnership for Success (SPF-PFS) Supplemental Grant to the local group.
The grant was for close to $240,000, which will be added to the Partnership for Success budget already in place bringing the total of SAMHSA PFS funding to $489,089.
Prevention Coalition Director Lori Verderosa said the grant will allow for the expansion of prevention efforts to address youth prescription drug misuse, opioid misuse, counterfeit pills and fentanyl awareness among youth ages 12-18, young adults and parents residing in Middletown.
“This project will allow us to expand upon the MPC’s broader prevention efforts addressing youth alcohol, nicotine and marijuana use by incorporating opioid-specific prevention messaging,” Verderosa said. “Additionally, youth engagement will be integrated into all phases of the project. They will participate in leadership training opportunities, peer-to-peer prevention activities and youth generated prevention messaging.”
For two decades plus, the Coalition has worked hard to promote healthy lifestyles in Middletown using a variety of approaches.
From guest speakers like basketball star Chris Herren to hands on activities in area schools to promoting family engagement, Wellness Month in March and more, the Coalition tries to keep good health at the forefront.
The group is hosting its 17th annual Middletown Family Day on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 4-8 pm at Second Beach, 315 Sachuest Point Road. A free event for all, Family Day includes fun, family friendly activities like face painting, potato sack races, bouncy houses and more.
Verderosa said despite the coalition’s success, there’s more work to be done in Middletown — and nationwide.
She said opioids and fentanyl have continued to be significant contributors to overdose morbidity and mortality within Newport County demonstrating the need for comprehensive prevention strategies across the lifespan.
For example, Verderosa said from Quarter 1 of 2024 through Quarter 2 of 2025, opioids were involved with 60 percent of all overdose fatalities within the county.
Additionally, between December 2025 and May 2026, she said the region reported 114 nonfatal overdoses, with 22 percent occurring among individuals under the age of 24 and 31 percent among adults over 55.
“We can’t thank SAMHSA enough for their continued support of what we’re working diligently to accomplish for our youth and entire community,” Verderosa said. “This project will build on our long-standing prevention infrastructure with the primary goal is to prevent and reduce youth prescription drug misuse, opioid misuse and fentanyl related harms through comprehensive prevention strategies.”
The organization generally meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 pm in Town Hall for its regular meetings. Visit https://mdl.town/MPC for more online.
“Thank you to everyone involved in our prevention initiatives,” Verderosa said. "Without the support and efforts of our dedicated volunteers, stakeholders and educators across the community, the Coalition wouldn’t accomplish a fraction of our goals to help make Middletown a healthier place where our kids can thrive.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-MPC-Grant
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Lori Verderosa
Director
Middletown Prevention Coalition
401-743-3503
lverderosa@middletownri.gov
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