Local coalitions share in grant funding

Several Springfield-area coalitions shared a piece of $69,700 in grant funding awarded by the Missouri Division of Behavioral Health.

The groups are part of Community Partnership of the Ozarks' Regional Support Center, which provides technical assistance, training and support in the areas of substance abuse and violence problems, according to a news release.

Local coalitions awarded funding include:

• Stand Against Trafficking: $5,000 to expand awareness and conduct a media campaign about sex trafficking in the Ozarks;
• Violence Free Families: $5,000 to create a public service announcement on how children can be affected by interpersonal violence and substance abuse;
• Ozarks Fighting Back: $4,708 to conduct two educational campaigns to inform Greene County residents about the consequences of marijuana and heroin use, as well as prevention strategies for area youth;
• Greene County Alliance for Drug Endangered Children: $4,198 to build a computer application and toolkit for service providers during home visits or family interactions;
• Child Abuse and Neglect Collaborative: $4,450 to create a TV PSA about the prevention of child abuse and neglect; and
• Underage Drinking Task Force: $3,876 to integrate its intervention campaign into the campuses of Ozarks Technical Community College and Drury, Evangel and Missouri State universities.

Other coalitions to receive funding include groups in Lawrence, McDonald, Taney, Newton, Douglas and Jasper counties, according to the release.