Funds will expand local efforts to combat substance abuse
Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representative Heath Shuler announced that the Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Cherokee County in Murphy, NC has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for training and technical assistance to reduce substance abuse.
“Drug abuse and addiction create serious challenges for the Cherokee County community and its local officials,” said Rep. Shuler. “I’m pleased that the ARC has recognized the Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Cherokee County as a leader in the Appalachian region in the fight against substance abuse. This grant will give the Coalition needed resources to expand its effective and innovative drug prevention and outreach efforts.”
A 2008 ARC study found that Appalachian communities suffer a disproportionately high rate of substance use and abuse. To address these issues, ARC established the Competition for Community-Based Substance Abuse Initiatives. The Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Cherokee County was one of 30 local groups chosen by an expert panel for participation the program. Representatives from the group will attend a training conference and design and complete local projects to expand their coalition partnerships.
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