Stout Announces Grants to Combat Alcohol Abuse

EIGHTY FOUR, January 12, 2009 – State Sen. J. Barry Stout today announced that grants are now available online for various organizations in Pennsylvania to help reduce and eliminate underage and dangerous uses of alcohol.

“Underage drinking and alcohol abuse continue to be prevalent in our communities and the negative consequences can ruin lives,” Stout said.  “Alcohol abuse harms young people, families, communities and society as a whole.  My hope is that these grants will minimize the instances of abuse.”

Stout (D- Allegheny/Beaver/Greene/Washington/Westmoreland) pointed to a 2005 survey where 93 percent of Pennsylvania college students stated that they thought students drank at least once a week.  Every year there are approximately 13,000 alcohol-related crashes in Pennsylvania.  Nearly a fourth of fatalities involving 16-20 year-olds were caused by drunk driving.

Stout said the grants are provided to help organizations develop and/or maintain prevention strategies to reduce underage and dangerous drinking.  The maximum grant is $11,500 and only one grant per entity is permitted.  Grants are being offered to colleges, universities, municipalities, school districts and community groups.  Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2009.

Stout added that the grants will be given by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Please visit www.senatorstout.com for more information and to download an application.

###