Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson today announced the award of $100,000 grant for the Prairie Center Health Systems and the Vermilion Prevention Coalition.

     The grant represents the fifth year of funding under the “Drug Free Communities” program administered by the National Office of Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

     “One of the most satisfying aspects of my job is to help direct resources to the places that need it most and where it does the most good for the most people,” said Rep. Johnson. “Prairie Center is just one of those places. The people have proven time after time that this is a worthwhile and vital use of tax dollars. They’re making a difference and I’m happy to help.”

     Latest national studies show a decline in drug use among teens. Much of this decline is directly attributable to grassroots efforts of agencies such as Prairie Center.

     “The Drug Free Communities Program Grant is an outstanding example of how government and legislators like Congressman Johnson continue to make a difference for small-town America,” said Jeff Markland, president of the Prairie Center board.

     Prairie Center is the leader of the Vermilion Prevention Coalition, local individuals working together to reduce alcohol and drug abuse among youth. The alcohol and drug prevention education and treatment agency, located at 128 N. Vermilion St. in Danville, partners with local government, the media, school and agencies such as the Hoopeston Mayor’s Youth Council, WILL-AM-FM-TV, Vermilion Advantage and Big Brothers and Big Sisters to get the anti-drug message to youth, adults and towns throughout Vermilion County. 

     The education work of the agency goes on primarily at 11 middle and high schools. Additionally, Prairie Center and the Vermilion Prevention Coalition sponsor community-wide initiatives such as the “Hoopeston Teen Town Hall” last September, where high school students led a community forum on issues important to both youth and adult residents.

     That project sparked the start of the Mayor’s Youth Council, an in-school mentoring program and the opening of a Teen Center in Hoopeston. The project has earned a “Governor’s Home Town Award” to be presented in October.

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