Burns urges communities to apply for federal funds to prevent opioid abuse, addiction in youth

HARRISBURG, April 1 – School districts, nonprofit organizations and county officials are encouraged to apply for federal funds aimed at preventing youth substance abuse, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced today.

The federal funds will be used to form a partnership with school districts, nonprofit service providers and counties to participate in a 5-year pilot program to reduce the risk factors that lead to substance abuse in youth, families and the community, Burns said.

“We’ve seen first-hand how devastating – and deadly – substance abuse is in our communities,” said Burns. “If we can take steps to prevent addiction to these highly addictive drugs in the first place, imagine how many lives – and families – we can save from needless tragedy.”

Eligible applicants for these funds include school districts, nonprofit service providers, and counties (either county commissioners or a single county authority). There must be a collaboration of the three entities, with school districts the preferred lead agency.

The deadline to apply is April 16.

More information can be found by clicking this link and choosing “Opioid Misuse Prevention Project Cohort 2:” https://www.pccdegrants.pa.gov/egrants/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx.