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Reeths-Puffer High School awarded $625K for drug prevention program

Reeths-Puffer 21, Holland 13
Posted at 6:13 PM, Jan 20, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-20 18:13:53-05

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Straight Talk About Tough Stuff (STATS) recently learned they will receive a $125,000 Drug-Free Communities Support Program Grant each year for the next five years.

The grant was awarded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to students, educators, community leaders, the Health Project of Mercy Health, and Muskegon Township Police.

“STATS has always focused on peer leadership. This focus will become even stronger as youth are given more opportunities to engage in activities and learning. Some will even participate in a national conference,” said STATS Coordinator Jennifer LaChapelle of the Health Project.

This grant picks up where the former Mercy Health Drug Free Coalition grant left off and will allow the STATS program to continue. When the grant expires, the STATS’ Coalition will have the opportunity to apply for 5 additional years of funding.

Funds from the grant will pay for activities, family social events, after school activities, and training opportunities for youth.

“All of these events will promote ways to keep youth from using substances or assist them with finding support to stop using substances,” said LaChapelle.

Additionally, personnel will be covered, program expenses, anti-drug marketing, and Drug Free Coalition training for staff and management. When the money runs dry, STATS will be able to apply for another 5 years of funding.