Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, May 14, 2002

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suit* 304 315 Connon Hmisa Offic* Building lufhorvilU, Maryland 21093 Wellington, D.C 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Tuesday, May 14, 2002 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Announces Drug Free Communities Grant Award for Harford County WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) announced today that the Harford County government will receive a $99,538 federal grant to help combat drug use. The grant is made possible by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “I want to commend Jim Harkins and the Harford County government for their continuing work to promote a safe, healthy environment for the people of Harford County. This grant is just one example of their tireless efforts to protect our kids from the ravages of drug abuse.” The federal grant will be directed to the Office of Drug Control Policy (ODP) within the Harford County government. The ODP mission is to promote and provide prevention services within Harford County and reduce the prevalence of substance abuse amongst citizens. Funding will be used to meet several of the office’s long-term objectives, including: teaching parenting skills and methods of strengthening family bonds, and fostering a working relationship between local hospitals, law enforcement, and community organizations to address the increasing number of drug overdoses. In addition, funding will help train at least 100 community professionals to recognize and deal with substance abuse, placing emphasis on prevention techniques and appropriate consequences for substance abuse behavior, and implement early intervention programs through schools and the criminal justice system. Finally, the grant will help county groups conduct peer leadership programs at six different schools. Congressman Ehrlich continued, “Combating drug use means local, state, and federal officials have to work together for safer communities. My goal in Congress is to make sure that the federal government backs Harford County and Maryland with the best resources available.” ###