Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet awards more than $340,000 to aid local substance abuse prevention efforts

FRANKFORT, KY –The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet today announced the award of 54 federal grants totaling more than $340,000 to local substance abuse and violence prevention coalitions.  The grant money will fund Champions Coalitions – made up of local leaders, educators, professionals and concerned citizens – throughout the state. 

“The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is committed to supporting programs that prevent substance abuse and violence all across Kentucky,” said Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown.  “This money will assist communities in identifying and providing youth with safe, constructive alternatives to the plague of substance abuse.”

Champions funds are provided to Kentucky from a U.S. Department of Education grant of Safe and Drug Free Schools funds.  This year’s award decisions were particularly difficult due to recent reductions in federal funds, according to Tanya Dickinson, Branch Manager for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet’s Grants Management branch.  She added that the competitive environment meant the Cabinet had to decline to fund many worthy proposals and reduce awards to many long-time recipients.

The awards were presented to agencies benefiting more than 59 counties and regional programs.  For a complete list of awards and the counties served, call 502-564-8220.