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White Plains Group Earns Grant To Fight Sexual Assault

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- U.S. Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-Harrison, on Thursday announced the National Institutes of Health’s Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Program has awarded a $150,114 grant to National Health Promotion Associates in White Plains to develop and evaluate a new program to prevent sexual violence on college campuses. 

U.S. Rep. Nita M. Lowey announced a grant to develop a new program to prevent sexual violence on college campuses.

U.S. Rep. Nita M. Lowey announced a grant to develop a new program to prevent sexual violence on college campuses.

Photo Credit: File

“Sexual assault has no place in our society, especially on college campuses where students are building their futures,” said Lowey. “I’m pleased that National Health Promotion Associates will receive this funding so we can verifiably know which strategies are most effective at preventing these violent and criminal acts. During my tenure on the House Appropriations Committee, I have worked hard to nearly triple the funding for NIH, and as ranking member, I will continue working to increase these vital funds so we can protect the health and safety of students in the Lower Hudson Valley and throughout the country.” 

NHPA will develop and test an innovative new program designed for incoming college students to prevent sexual violence – anchored in an evidence-based prevention program called Life Skills Training that will use a combination of Web-based and small-group methods.

Because sexual violence often occurs along with alcohol and drug abuse, the program will focus on both sexual violence and alcohol/drug abuse prevention. 

“We are excited about receiving this funding from NIH, and look forward to this opportunity to develop and test an innovative program that will stop sexual violence before it ever begins,” said Dr. Gilbert J. Botvin, professor emeritus of Cornell University’s Weill Medical College and president of NHPA.

During the first phase of this project, the funding will be used to develop and test sample materials to determine their relevance, utility and appeal among college students, faculty and administrators. 

This feedback will be used in a second phase of the project to guide the development of the full program and test its effectiveness in a large-scale national study.

Lowey has fought to increase investments in medical research. She is a longtime member of the subcommittee that funds medical research, and funding to National Institutes of Health has nearly tripled since she joined the committee.

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