Pubdate: Thu, 6 Dec 2001 Source: Athens News, The (OH) Copyright: 2001, Athens News Contact: http://www.athensnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1603 LOCAL ALCOHOL PREVENTION GROUP GETS GRANT TEAM (Together Erasing Alcohol Misuse) Athens County has been awarded $28, 660 by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS) to assist in dealing with alcohol and other drug abuse needs, along with mobilizing and promoting healthy youth development in Athens County. With the support of the Taft administration, 14 grants totaling $515, 000 have been awarded to community drug-free coalitions statewide for fiscal year 2002. In order to qualify for these grants, coalitions had to consist of at least four collaboration entities. In this area, the following groups are part of the resulting coalition: Health Recovery Services, Inc., Rural Action, Athens City-County Health Department and the Athens County Sheriff's Department, as well as numerous individual partners. In a news release, Earl Cecil, director of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (317 Board) serving Athens, Hocking and Vinton Counties, stated, "This community has always made the well-being of our youth a high priority. With these funds we can identify need and the best ways to reach young people before they become involved in behaviors destructive to themselves and the community." ODADAS plans, initiates and coordinates an extensive system of alcohol, tobacco and other drug-addiction services designed to educate the public and prevent substance abuse. In the release, ODADAS Director Luceille Fleming said, "Community coalitions have been proven to be an effective method for bringing the organizations and individuals together who must work together for the health of children and families. These grants will help mobilize and encourage communities to expand upon that commitment." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth