Holmes County Prevention Coalition Awarded Federal Drug-Free Communities Grant

(Millersburg)- Holmes County was chosen to be one of 199 new communities across the country to receive $24.4 million in Drug Free Communities (DFC) grants, announced John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ODNCP). The Holmes County Prevention Coalition will receive approximately $124,000 to work collaboratively at the local level to prevent and reduce drug and alcohol abuse among youth. Local organizations and individuals will partner with the Prevention Coalition to contribute $124,000 worth of time, services, and other resources to this collaborative effort.

John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and President Bush's "Drug Czar," said, "Today, 860,000 fewer youths are using drugs than in 2001. Together, as a Nation, we have made significant progress in our efforts against substance abuse. Coalitions like the Holmes County Prevention Coalition are important partners in pushing back against the harms of drug use."

Midge Roberts, Coalition coordinator and staff member of Your Holmes County Human Resource Center, stated, “The Holmes County Prevention Coalition pursued this funding source since it aligns with our mission of creating the conditions that will help local youth and adults make healthy choices regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.” Anne Goon, Deputy Health Commissioner of the Holmes County Health District and one of the authors of the grant proposal, noted, “This grant will help us achieve our goals of making our young people healthier and our county safer.”

The Holmes County Prevention Coalition was started in July 2007 through the Partnerships for Success (PfS) strategic planning initiative undertaken by the Holmes County Family & Children First Council. Over 1,000 community members shared their priorities and concerns for local children and families through a PfS community survey in late 2006. Local residents indicated that they were most concerned about underage drinking in Holmes County. Youth tobacco and drug usage were also top-ranking concerns. The Prevention Coalition is open to all county residents- of all ages- who want to work together to create the conditions in the county that will help local youth and adults make healthy choices regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.” Individuals wanting to get involved can contact Midge Roberts at (330) 674-4608 or Kathy Kelly at (330) 674-6070.