Newswise — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Administrator Pamela S. Hyde today announced the award and anticipated future funding of 81 new grants, totaling up to $15.1 million over four years, to prevent underage drinking through the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP ACT) grant program.

The STOP ACT grant program provides funding for community-based coalitions throughout the country to prevent and reduce alcohol use among youth ages 12-20. The program strengthens collaboration among communities, as well as federal, state, local and tribal governments in efforts to instill an active commitment to prevent underage drinking.

“Underage drinking is a major public health problem which endangers the health and lives of our nation’s young people and others,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. “The STOP program is based on the simple truth that to effectively address this problem we need to educate and persuade kids not to risk their health and futures through underage drinking.”

Each grantee may receive up to $50,000 annually over four years. The actual amounts may vary, depending on availability of funds and progress achieved by the awardees.

To view a list of awardees and their projected yearly award amounts, go to: http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1209131920.aspx.

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SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

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