Groups Given Funds For Drug Programs

Groups given funds for drug programs

The Ann Arbor Community Center and a local consortium which includes Leaders in Prevention and the Young Adults Health Center will receive $264,995 in state money as part of a plan to combat alcohol and drug abuse.

The community center will use a $64,995 grant to provide substance abuse prevention programs for “at-risk” youngsters at Northside Elementary, Clague Intermediate and Huron High schools.

At-risk youths are defined as those who are most likely to be susceptible to substance abuse. They are characterized by poverty, unstable family environments and poor academic achievement.

The consortium has received a $200,000 grant to fund an analysis of individual and environmental factors that contribute to alcohol and drug abuse.

Leaders in Prevention will be involved in broad-based prevention efforts in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area, with the Corner Theater Troupe of the Young Adults Health Center using improvisational drama to teach teen-agers to resist drugs and alcohol.

“Alcohol and drug abuse contribute to as many as one-half of the crimes committed in our major cities. Our success in preventing young people from getting involved with drugs and alcohol is crucial to our efforts to fight crime and improve the lives of Michigan citizens,” said Gov. James Blanchard.

Added Robert Brook, administrator of the Michigan Office of Substance Abuse Services, “The Ann Arbor Community Center will provide preventive counseling services to youth in one of the less fortunate areas of this relatively affluent city. ... We believe the community center’s plan is a good approach to special problems faced by youth in this area of Ann Arbor.”

Substance abuse prevention training will be offered to 10 youngsters at each of the three schools involved. This school-based program will provide training during two class periods each week.