Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson announced today that the Paris-based Coalition Against Methamphetamine Abuse has been selected as the recipient of a $98,686 grant to implement critical intervention strategies to counter the spread of methamphetamine and other drugs.

 “We’re proud to announce this award on behalf of CAMA and the important work this organization does,” said Rep. Johnson, R-Urbana. “Methamphetamine and these other drugs are like a disease robbing people of their lives and spreading misery throughout the district. It must be stopped.”

The coalition is made up of members of the criminal justice system, victims, families, the business community and drug abuse treatment community that serves Edgar and Clark counties. The grant is being administered by the Human Resources Center of Paris.

Through a highly competitive grant application process, 176 community coalitions received first-year funding from the Office of National Drug Control Policy for a total of more than $17 million.

“You can be assured that the grant recipient in your district is ready for action and will have a direct impact on the health of their community through reductions in youth drug use,” said John Walters, director of the drug policy office.

Kristin Chittick, the Paris-based project director, said the community deserves credit for demonstrating its commitment to fighting drugs.

“The community has truly embraced this effort,” said Mrs. Chittick. “Over several years of collaboration, we have impacted state law and really earned a voice in countering the effects of substance abuse. We’ve been living on bake sales and pancake breakfasts and now with Rep. Johnson’s help and concern, we can move to the next level.”

Rep. Johnson is working to stem the abuse of methamphetamine and other drugs on several fronts. That includes working for grant funding for drug court teams and organizations such as the Human Resources Center. Rep. Johnson is also a cosponsor of HR 13, the Clean-Up of Methamphetamine Act. The bill is now in the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. The bill seeks $124 million for a variety of enforcement, treatment, laboratory cleanup and education initiatives.