For Immediate Release: September 9, 2009

Rep. Sutton Announces $43,269 for Lorain County to Reduce Underage Drinking

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH) announced that the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board (ADAS) of Lorain County will receive a $43,268 grant to reduce underage drinking. This grant is being administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. This funding will be used for the Lorain County Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Taskforce to further the overall effort to minimize and eliminate underage drinking. 

"I am pleased that Lorain County will receive this critical funding. When we empower our parents and caregivers through education, they are better equipped to prepare tomorrow's leaders," Rep. Sutton said.  

To prevent and reduce underage drinking, ADAS will collaborate with local law enforcement, retailers and community leaders to increase neighborhood participation and encourage dialogue.

"I have been praying for this grant, and I would like to thank Congresswoman Sutton for supporting us," said Project Director Elaine Georgas. "This funding will enhance our drug free communities. The fact that this is a five year project will allow us to really make positive changes in our community, and hopefully they will be sustainable changes."

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.  This is the 20th year of celebrating alcohol and drug awareness to inform communities about addiction, share stories of recovery and offer assistance to others who are still struggling.

To address the issues of substance abuse this month, ADAS is partnering with the Communities That Care of Lorain County to host a free training session on Sept. 16, called "The Adolescent Brain...Under Construction."

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Contact: Maureen Shanahan at 202-225-3401 or maureen.shanahan@mail.house.gov