Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is awarding more than $2.7 million in grant money to law enforcement agencies that present drug-prevention programs at Ohio’s public schools.
The Drug Use Prevention Grant funds will be used to maintain or create programs during the 2017-2018 school year to reduce substance abuse among young people.
A total of 130 sheriffs' offices and police departments will receive a portion of the $2,742,649. Recipients are required to include over-the-counter and prescription drug abuse prevention education in their programs.
“The abuse of prescription drugs is one of the primary reasons behind the current opiate epidemic in Ohio, which is why it's important that students receive age-appropriate lessons about the dangers of these and other drugs at an early age," said Attorney General DeWine. "I am proud to award these grants in an effort to help children in Ohio learn about the serious dangers of drug abuse."
Unintentional drug overdoses claim the lives of nearly 11 Ohioans every day. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has responded to the crisis by creating a dedicated heroin unit, establishing an outreach team, convening community-wide summits, and working with local leaders and law enforcement.
D.A.R.E. programs and school resource officer drug use prevention programs were eligible to apply for the grants. To be eligible, a program must be conducted in cooperation with the school superintendent.
The Drug Use Prevention Grant Fund supports programs such as Botvin LifeSkills, D.A.R.E. - Keepin' It Real, PALS - Prevention through Alternative Learning Styles, I'm Special, Too Good For Drugs, Reach Out Now, and Stay on Track.
To see a list of the grant recipients, visit the
Ohio Attorney General's website.