2 drug-prevention agencies get grants

10/6/2004

Two Toledo-area agencies that administer drug prevention efforts have received large federal grants to bolster their efforts.

The Lucas County Community Partnership received two grants worth $175,000 annually over the next five years, while Prevention Partners of Wood County received a grant worth $100,000 a year over five years.

Directors of both organizations said they were thrilled to receive the money, and said the money would help fund new programs as well as expand existing offerings.

"This is extremely helpful to our efforts," said Deacon Dzierzawski, executive director of the Lucas County Community Partnership.

He said much of the money will be used to offer drug prevention programs in nontraditional settings, such as community centers and libraries.

Sharon Kramer, executive director of Prevention Partners of Wood County, said her organization, which focuses primarily on the Perrysburg and Rossford areas, will use the money to fund programs such as its "Teen Board." That board has 56 teenagers who go into schools and talk to children about the dangers of substance abuse, she said.

Both organizations received similar federal grants, but had to reapply this year and were uncertain of their chances because of stiff competition. There were 713 applications nationwide, and 226 agencies were awarded grants. The money is being distributed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.