Local program awarded grant

Marion County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is one of 17 agencies across the state awarded grants to fight underage drinking and youth marijuana use.

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services announced grantees of the Kansas Prevention Collaborative Community Initiative program last week.

“Data at both the state and national level underscore that a comprehensive prevention effort is the most effective approach,” KDADS acting secretary Tim Keck said. “Research also shows a strong correlation between binge drinking and depression and suicide.”

The grant is designed to allow communities to address local alcohol and marijuana concerns as well as explore how behavioral health concerns such as suicide, problem gambling, and depression can impact youth and adult drug use.