The Office of National Drug Control Policy is set to deploy nearly $2.5 million to 20 different community programs across Kentucky through its Drug-Free Communities program.
Multiple recipients are in Northern Kentucky.
As part of a comprehensive approach to combatting the drug abuse epidemic through prevention, treatment, and interdiction, the DFC program awards grants to organizations that fight substance abuse among young people.
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican who serves as Senate Miniority Leader, said in an announcement that he supports the DFC program as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and secured $106 million for the initiative in this year’s government funding bill, which the Senate passed and President Biden signed into law in March.
“Recent CDC data confirms that the substance abuse epidemic in Kentucky is entering its worst phase yet,” McConnell said. “In response, I have helped mobilize federal resources to combat this crisis across the Commonwealth and hosted Drug Czars from several administrations to see the effects of our efforts firsthand. I’m glad the Drug-Free Communities program, which plays a special role in fighting drug abuse among young people, is investing in Kentucky and helping to keep dangerous substances out of our communities.”
Among the local recipients are:
*Campbell County Drug-Free Alliance, Newport ($125,000)
*Erlanger-Elsmere Independent Schools for its Early Childhood Community Collaborative (E3C) ($125,000)
*Mental Health America Of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio, Newport ($125,000)
And other nearby organizations receiving funds are:
*Grant County Schools for its Champions for a Drug-Free Grant County ($125,000)
*Gallatin County Schools for its Champions for a Drug Free Gallatin County ($125,000)
*Hope’s Hands for its Owen County Drug Prevention Coalition ($125,000)
*Pendleton County Board of Education for its Champions for a Drug Free Pendleton County ($125,000)
