X

Seaway Valley Prevention Council to get boost from state for anti-drug counseling services

Posted 8/24/16

A North Country state senator is hopeful that a $70,000 grant will help prevent drug use in school-aged children. Seaway Valley Prevention Council will get a portion of a $70,000 grant to “enhance …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Seaway Valley Prevention Council to get boost from state for anti-drug counseling services

Posted

A North Country state senator is hopeful that a $70,000 grant will help prevent drug use in school-aged children.

Seaway Valley Prevention Council will get a portion of a $70,000 grant to “enhance anti-drug counseling services,” according to Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

“Far too often, we hear of tragic stories involving children whose lives have been derailed—or worse, cut short—due to the abuse of drugs,” said St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES District Superintendent Thomas Burns. “We are thankful for this funding secured by Senator Ritchie, which will help us to get the anti-drug message to children sooner, and ultimately save lives, as well as protect the futures of students in our region.”

“At the Seaway Valley Prevention Council, one of our top priorities is making sure that young people are armed with the knowledge needed to steer clear of drugs and other dangerous substances,” said Larry Calkins, executive director of the Seaway Valley Prevention Council. “Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will help us to enhance the services we provide, and in turn, keep drugs out of our schools, as well as make our communities safer.”

“The sooner we can teach children about the dangers of abusing drugs, the better the odds are that they will stay away from these deadly substances that have the power to destroy their lives,” said Ritchie, member of the Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction. “I am pleased to again be able to provide funding that will help to educate children about the dangers of drugs, give them a shoulder to lean on—and someone to talk to—should they be faced with difficult situations involving these substances and ensure our region’s young people have bright futures.”

The remainder of the grant will go to anti-drug abuse counseling and education programs provided in Oswego County schools by Farnham Family Services. The Pivot Student Assistance Program in Jefferson County, which places addiction professionals in schools to provide support for students struggling with drug abuse and related issues, will also receive part of the $70,000.