State To Focus On Prevention Programs In Effort To Save Teens

A new drive to use tested, successful programs to fill the gaps in Mississippi's fight against teen drug abuse got a $9 million boost Tuesday.

The Mississippi Alliance for Prevention, a coalition of groups ranging from the National Guard to the Boys and Girls Club, got a three-year grant from federal health officials to keep children ages 12 to 17 away from drugs and alcohol.

Organizers hope to get diverse groups to focus on programs with scientific data showing they reduce drug and alcohol use, said Glenda Crump, project manager for the alliance.

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