Jacksonville, Florida – Yoga 4 Change has been approved for two contracts with the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida (HPCNEF) to offer holistic alternatives to individuals with Substance Use Disorder and/or Opioid Use Disorder. The grant is part of the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action Grant (OD2A) awarded to Department of Health in Duval County to decrease overdoses. These awards will give Yoga 4 Change’s program the opportunity to bring trauma-informed, research validated programming to individuals involved in the 4th Judicial Veteran Treatment Court, as well as establish new partnerships with Behavioral Health Facilities. Given the pandemic, these programs will be offered virtually, allowing individuals to attend from the comfort of their home.
Yoga 4 Change offers proprietary programming demonstrating validated improvements in multiple areas including increases in forgiveness, post traumatic growth, and access to positive coping skills. Yoga 4 Change attests that the results from a 2018 study in collaboration with Boston University can be replicated in other populations across Northeast Florida. “Because of funding opportunities like this, Yoga 4 Change can truly focus on empowering individuals, and increasing the impact of our programming” said Kathryn Thomas, Executive Director. “Our students are able to better focus on their recovery because of our programming. Funding has led to innovative collaborations, and I am excited to see the long-term impact of this grant in the future. Who knows what our next collaboration will look like!” The OD2A funding will be used to implement programs, supply participants with mental health resources (i.e.: movement, breathing exercises, self-inquiry), and evaluate outcomes. The end goal is to provide individuals with alternative habits, replacing their current use of drugs with new techniques, thereby reducing overdose rates.
The long standing pandemic has increased feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression leading to increased drug use and overdoses. HPCNEF released data reporting an increase of 37% in drug overdoses when one compares data from January – October 2019 to January-October 2020. ESSENCE data reveals a 45% increase in overdoses treated at area Emergency Departments during the same time period. Yoga 4 Change is honored to be given the opportunity to take part in the larger sector, championing to decrease relapses, increase mental wellness, and eventually decrease overdoses in our community.
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Yoga 4 Change is a 501(c)(3) organization that achieves meaningful change for veterans, incarcerated individuals, youth, and those living with mental health conditions through a purpose-driven yoga program. Yoga 4 Change aims to heal and empower these underserved populations, creating healthier, safer communities, one class at a time. Follow the organization on social media (@y4c_official) or check out the website: www.y4c.org.
