Grant money alone isn't enough to combat issues of underage drinking and substance abuse. "We need to do this together," said Peabody (Mass.) Mayor Michael Bonfanti. The city has been awarded a $300,000 grant aimed at fighting teen drug and alcohol abuse.

"With the money, the city will study and develop strategies to address underage drinking and substance abuse. The project - dubbed the 'Health Peabody Collaborative' - will involve a multitude of stakeholders in the community, including teachers, parents, law enforcement and outreach groups."

The collaborative will start with focus groups, surveys and interviews - all conducted with the intention of getting a clear picture of the problems and their root causes. That information will be used to develop and implement specific strategic plans. Source: The Salem News

Labels: awareness, communities, prevention