McCracken County ASAP awarded $625K federal grant to prevent youth substance use

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — McCracken County ASAP has been awarded a $625,000 federal grant to strengthen efforts to prevent substance use among young people in the community.

The organization was selected to receive the five-year Drug-Free Communities Support Program grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The funding will support McCracken County ASAP’s work with local organizations to identify and respond to substance use issues affecting young people. The program focuses on building community coalitions and developing local prevention strategies.

“Primary prevention is one of the most effective investments we can make to protect America’s youth and strengthen our communities,” White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Sara Carter said in the release.

McCracken County ASAP said receiving the grant follows a three-year effort by the organization and its community partners.

The coalition plans to work with several local organizations, including Purchase District Health Department, Four Rivers Regional Prevention Center, Mercy Health, McCracken County Public Schools and Paducah Public Schools.

The Drug-Free Communities program provides federal funding to community coalitions working to prevent and reduce youth substance use.

According to McCracken County ASAP, the funding will help the organization continue building a safe, healthy and drug-free community.