MonticelloLive

The University of Arkansas at Monticello, in partnership with Drew County Hometown Health Improvement, has received funding for initiatives to promote the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.

            The funding is being provided by the Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention of the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services. Drew County is one of 15 Arkansas counties approved to receive funding for the program by the state’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council.
            The program will receive $150,000 each year from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Monies will be focused on alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes involving injuries and fatalities.  A strategic plan for the county’s use of the funds will be developed and the implementation of a prevention model that has been researched and proven successful in other locations will be used. Arkansas rates are considered high in underage drinking and alcohol-related crashes according to information gathered from the 2005 Arkansas Needs Assessment Student Survey and various other data sources.