Lorain, Erie counties receive federal funds

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur announced that just over $170,000 in funds will be awarded to coalitions.

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, an Ohio Democrat, announced Sept. 21 that the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, as part of the Drug-Free Communities Program, will award just over $170,000 in funds to coalitions in Lorain and Erie counties that seek to prevent substance use among young people, according to a news release.

Communities that Care of Lorain County will receive $46,050 and Partners for Prevention of Erie County in Sandusky will receive $125,000.

“Our communities desperately need more of a helping hand from federal partners to fight addiction, and these continuation grants allow Lorain and Erie counties to keep building on the success of existing programs, that work to keep our children from falling into a cycle of drug use,” Kaptur said. “I will fight to make sure Congress does more to bolster programs that bring together teachers, parents, law enforcement and students to make a real impact in our fight to prevent drug use.”

The Drug-Free Communities Program has funded more than 2,000 coalitions and about 9,000 volunteers across the country to provide local solutions for local drug issues.

Coalition partners are well-situated to effectively address drug trends such as methamphetamines, and illicit prescription or synthetic drug use because they have the infrastructure to take a comprehensive approach to tackling these issues.

“In 2009, we were fortunate to receive federal support from the Office of National Drug Control Policy to support our coalition’s work — strengthening collaborations to implement evidence-based prevention strategies to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drugs among Lorain County’s youth,” said Elaine Georgas, executive director of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Lorain County. “We are in our 10th year of (Drug-Free Communities) funding which has had significant successes including; conducting alcohol compliance checks with local police departments and alcohol server knowledge training, working with four communities to strengthen their local social host ordinances, working with parents to host campaigns to address underage alcohol use, educating students about the impact on marijuana use and academic achievement, and promoting med-safes, drug takeback and 24/7 drop boxes to reduce the supply of prescription medications in our communities.

“We have also conducted education and training through town hall events regarding adolescent brain development, addiction and the power of prevention. The (Drug-Free Communities) funding was a match funding formula which allowed us to expand our approaches throughout Lorain County.”

“Our objectives seek to bolster the community’s quality of life and the many accomplishments of the partnership show a true community-based concern for drug use and prevention,” said Pete Schade, Erie County health commissioner. “This funding has helped us begin to win this battle. The Erie County Prevention partnership is a true reflection of the (Drug-Free Communities) grant intent.

“We thank our many stakeholders for their ongoing support, while we look forward to our youth making better personal decisions every day.”