The decision to move to a regional funding structure was made by DSU leadership after a 10-month planning process and gathering of input from DSU staff, current funded partners, other stakeholders and state leaders.  A regional approach to funding keeps dollars closer to communities which allows for local decision making at the community level.  It allows for more flexibility to fund according to need and impact, and better aligns and leverages resources that already exist in communities and regions, including other public, private and philanthropic funds. 

Goals of this work are to prevent and reduce substance use/misuse across all ages and substances; ensure all Vermonters have access to substance misuse prevention statewide that allows for and optimizes regional assets and variability; decrease geographic and other health disparities; and increase efficiency and collaboration on prevention efforts across all state, public, and private entities through a consolidated and holistic approach to prevention that is sustainable, scalable, and equitable.