Lake County Group Gets Drinking, Drug Prevention Grant

The Lake County Underage Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force got a recent boost from the government in the form of a $125,000 in Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant to involve and engage the community to prevent substance use among youth. 

“We are not powerless against the challenge of drug use among young people here in Lake County,” said Bruce Johnson, chairman of Lake County’s task force. “Research shows that prevention is the most effective tool we have to reduce the terrible consequences associated with drug use among young people. This new funding will allow the Lake County Underage Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force to help place more young people on the path toward success and enable them to live healthier and safer lives.”

The Lake County Underage Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force will specifically work to address underage drinking, prescription drug abuse and medical marijuana.

The DFC program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate citizen participation in local drug prevention efforts. Coalitions are composed of community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, healthcare and business professionals, law enforcement, the media and others working together at the local level.