HEAAL envisions a population that stands apart as an icon of positive change and life enrichment, thereby reducing harmful epidemics that affect our community and embracing a life-long philosophy of healing and recovery. The mission of the Help Enrich African American Lives (HEAAL) Coalition is to enhance the quality of individual and family life, to provide resources that increase community awareness, support, and advocacy, and to facilitate and promote solutions for environmental, behavioral and societal injustices that impact our community

The HEAAL Coalition has been instrumental in reducing substance misuse of marijuana, Rx drugs, and alcohol by African American youth in Maricopa County AZ communities.  They have established an awareness of harm caused by substance misuse, proven through evidence based prevention strategies. What makes HEAAL unique is the collaboration with 12 different community sectors and the use of the SPF (Strategic Prevention Framework) model.

The HEAAL Coalition has a large service area which includes the South Mountain Village.  They feel that collaboration with SM WORKS is essential as it provides the sharing and enhancement of resources and strategies.  Coalitions each have their own strengths and challenges.  There is an old adage that that states. “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together.”  As we come together with our common goals and strategies we increase our impact on our community members and the opportunities for our youth to make healthy decisions.

For more information contact Loren Grizzard at lorengrizzard@tcdccorp.org or (480)415-2460