LAWRENCE CO.— The Lawrence County Commissioners have approved a significant funding boost for local youth substance abuse prevention efforts. In a decision made this morning, the commissioners granted the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County $50,000 from the county’s opioid grant money.
Frank Deckard, the club’s chief professional officer, presented the request to the commissioners, emphasizing the importance of enhancing their Smart Moves program. This initiative is designed to influence attitudes and teach youth the skills to make healthy substance use decisions.
“The club serves 1,650 kids,” Deckard stated during the meeting. He also highlighted the organization’s recent expansion, noting, “Now, with our new site in Mitchell, we are serving 20 a day, but expect that number to increase to around 50 each day.”
The funding will improve training and add new program materials across the club’s six sites throughout the county. Deckard expressed the situation’s urgency: “These funds would allow us to push this program to the next level. It is obvious our problem of drugs and tobacco is growing.”
Prior to the approval, Lawrence County had $87,252 in restricted funds available. The $50,000 allocation to the Boys & Girls Club represents a significant portion of these resources, underscoring the commissioners’ commitment to addressing substance abuse issues among the county’s youth.
County Attorney David Smith and County Auditor Paula Stewart reviewed the proposal before the decision was made to ensure compliance with state guidelines. Their assessment confirmed that the Smart Moves program aligns with the intended use of the restricted funds.
This funding decision comes at a crucial time as communities nationwide grapple with increasing substance abuse challenges. Lawrence County aims to equip its next generation with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about drugs and tobacco by investing in preventative education for youth.
The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County, with its extensive reach and newly expanded presence in Mitchell, is well-positioned to implement these enhanced programs. As the Smart Moves initiative evolves with this new funding, local officials and community members will monitor its impact on youth attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use.
