JAMESTOWN – Congressman Tom Reed annocuned Friday a more than $600,000 grant to help fight substance abuse in Chautauqua County.
Reed says the $625,000 grant for the Hope Chautauqua Coalition will be disbursed over the next five years.
“Combating drug and alcohol abuse begins with education and prevention efforts,” said Reed. “We care about battling these issues in every helpful way possible. This grant will empower the Hope Chautauqua Coalition and Prevention Works in these areas, increasing and enhancing their efforts throughout the county.”
Melanie Witkowski, Prevention Works’ executive director, says after the initial five-year grant period, the organization will have the option of applying for a continuation of funding, leading to a potential 10 years of funding.
“The purpose of the grant is to enhance prevention infrastructure which is needed to increase the Hope Chautauqua Coalition to effect population level change with alcohol and marijuana. These are the two drugs of choice for youth in grades eight to 12 in Chautauqua County,” Witkowski said. “The coalition will work on engaging the community, enhancing skills, modifying policies and providing education surrounding alcohol and marijuana.”
The coalition is a part of Prevention Works in Chautauqua County, which was formerly known as the Chautauqua Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council.
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