Baucus, Tester: Nearly $900,000 coming to Montana to fight drugs

Money will help eight communities fight youth substance abuse

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Eight Montana communities will receive much-needed funds to fight youth substance abuse, thanks to grants announced today by Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester.

The $880,927 in grants, which come to Montana from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, will help communities fight youth alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug use.

The following communities are receiving grants:

• $100,000 – Glendive – Dawson County Healthy Communities Coalition
• $100,000 – Kalispell – Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic Stop
• $125,000 – Helena School District 
• $116,701 – Hamilton – Kids First of Ravalli County 
• $114,226 – Plentywood – Sheridan County Youth Action Council 
• $100,000 – Billings – United Way of Yellowstone County 
• $125,000 – Butte-Silver Bow City-County 
• $100,000 – Polson – The Flathead Reservation and Lake County Coalition for Kids, Inc.

“Helping kids grow up substance-free allows them to lead healthy, productive lives as adults,” Baucus said. “These grants are important for Montana communities to reach out to kids and help them make healthy choices that will pay off for the rest of their lives.”

“As a grandfather myself, I care about all of Montana’s young people, and I know this money will go a long way in keeping illegal drugs out of Montana communities,” Tester said. “ The most importance place we can start is by preventing drug and alcohol abuse among our kids.  These grants are smart investments in Montana kids, who deserve the very best opportunities for success in the future.”