WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) and U.S. Senator Jim Talent today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded a grant to the Douglas County Health Department in Ava, MO.  The $74,770 grant from the Drug Free Communities Support Program will fund the Families and Communities Together (FACT) program, which serves Douglas County’s 13,000 residents.

 

“Fighting drug abuse is a major challenge in any community,” Emerson said, “but it is an important undertaking.  Substance abuse corrodes our communities and prevents men and women for achieving their full potentials.  Drugs create a severe burden on our law enforcement, our health care systems, and – most of all – our families.  FACT is a worthy program for this investment by the Department of Justice.”

 

“This is a valuable community program,” Sen. Talent said. “These funds will be used to raise awareness among school age children of the dangers involved with substance abuse. After school programs, like those offered by FACT, offer innovative approaches to education that are helping keep Missouri kids safe and healthy.”