Valley groups gets funds to fight drugs

COLUMBUS — Schools and agencies in Mahoning and Columbiana counties will receive funding for efforts to keep their students drug free.

Groups in the areas were among 22 statewide selected to receive grants totaling $1.5 million through a drug-abuse prevention initiative headed by Ohio First Lady Karen Kasich.

"A focus on prevention will keep Ohio moving in the right direction, helping children succeed in school, learn a healthy lifestyle and ultimately strengthen Ohio's work force," Tracy Plouck, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, said in a released statement.

In Mahoning County, the Austintown Local School District will receive $27,584 for a variety of substance abuse prevention efforts that will include involvement of the county court and juvenile justice systems, children's services board and Meridian Community Care. A total of 1,600 students are expected to be served.

Meridian Community Care also will receive a $35,270 grant for projects in the Girard and Struthers districts, serving an estimated 435 students.

And the Youngstown Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program will receive $175,210 toward its youth mentoring initiative, serving an estimated 100 students in the Youngstown district.

In Columbiana County, the Family Recovery Center will receive $51,210 for programming aimed at fifth-and sixth-graders at five schools. A total of 1,000 students are expected to be served.