Created on Friday, 25 January 2008 10:27
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Drug Free Marion County to Announce Grants and Report On Local Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use
More than $520,000 in grants were awarded to 20 local organizations during Drug Free Marion County’s annual meeting on Wednesday, January 23.
The grants were awarded to groups in four categories that included prevention/education, treatment, criminal justice and to support the educational and programming efforts of Drug Free Marion County.
During the annual meeting, Drug Free Marion County released its 5th Annual Snapshot of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use in Marion County. Among findings in the report:
- Marion County 8th graders report higher use of cigarettes, marijuana and tranquillizers than their peers in Indiana and throughout the nation.
- Marion County students suspended or expelled for weapons, drugs and or alcohol has increased by 50% since the 2002-2003 school year.
- From 2002-2005 there was a 7 percent increase in the number of adults and a12 percent increase in the number of juveniles arrested for drug offenses.
- The majority of DWI arrestees (42 percent) in 2006 were between the ages of 21-30, while 6 percent were below the age of 21.
Additional findings included in the comprehensive report are available by contacting Drug Free Marion County at (317) 254-2815.
Drug Free Marion County also recognized several local individuals who have made significant contributions to supporting efforts to reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse in Marion County. The award recipients included:
- Community Service Linda Bautista of Libertad Counseling
- Lifetime Achievement Kristi Clerkin, Franklin Twp. School Corporation
- Parent Advocate Brian and Julie Unwin
- Youth Advocate Kandace Hoosier, Warren Central High School
