IPS GETS $100,000 FOR ANTI-DRUG EFFORT

A $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will be used for
anti-drug programs in Indianapolis Public Schools.

The funding was awarded earlier this week to Drug-Free Marion County, a
group that works in conjunction with the Governor's Commission for a
Drug-Free Indiana.

Mayor Bart Peterson said the grant would fund a comprehensive training
program in eight IPS middle schools.

Officials said they hoped the pilot program will trigger similar efforts in
township school systems.

"Not only will this grant provide a broad-based, comprehensive training
program for eight IPS middle schools, but we are excited about the
opportunity to create a drug-prevention model that can eventually be put
into middle schools throughout the county as well," said Randy Miller of
Drug-Free Marion County.

Through cooperative efforts with agencies such as the Indianapolis Police
Department and Marion County Mental Health Association, the effort will
include a year-round anti-drug awareness campaign; leadership training for
students involved in prevention and education; and training for
middle-school teachers and other youth-service workers.

In addition, the effort will include a volunteer group for parents and the
creation of a database of local substance abuse-related organizations,
agencies and service providers.

Federal officials awarded the grant after a review of nearly 400
applications. Other awards ranged from $30,000 to $100,000 for use over the
next year.