MISSISSIPPI GETS MONEY FOR TEEN DRUG, ALCOHOL PREVENTION

MADISON -- Mississippi is spending $9 million over three years for programs
to prevent drug and alcohol abuse by preteens and teen-agers.

"It's been said our children are the message we send to a time we want to
see. I want that message to arrive safely," Gov. Ronnie Musgrove said
Tuesday in announcing the grant during a news conference at Madison Central
High School.

Mississippi is receiving $3 million a year over three years from the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. The first grant money arrived last
October, and officials have been preparing to solicit proposals for local
programs.

The program is called the Mississippi Alliance for Prevention, and a
42-member advisory council held its first meeting Tuesday.

Glenda Crump, the alliance manager, said local proposals are due Aug. 9 and
officials are looking for ideas that already have proven effective among
12- to 17-year-olds.

"We've been doing a lot of things in prevention that haven't worked," Crump
said.