BEDFORD – Frank Deckard, the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County’s chief professional officer, asked the commissioners Tuesday for $50,000 of the county’s opioid grant money.
Deckard wants the money to improve the club’s Smart Moves program, which is designed to influence attitudes and teach the skills youth need to make healthy decisions about substance use.
“The club serves 1,650 kids,” said Deckard, and now, with our new site in Mitchell, we are serving 20 a day, but expect that number to increase to around 50 each day. These funds would improve training and add new program material at our six sites. It would allow us to push this program to the next level. It is obvious our problem of drugs and tobacco” is growing.”
Lawrence County currently has $87,252 in restricted funds, which could be used to fund the club’s program.
Commissioner Rodney Fish stressed, “Be aware this is a one-time award; when these funds are expended, there will be no future award.”
County Attorney David Smith requested that County Auditor Paula Stewart review the state guidelines before deciding to ensure the program aligns with the use of restricted funds.
The commissioners will vote on distributing funds to the Club at their meeting on September 10.
