Ten community organizations across the state were recently awarded more than $76,000 in grants from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) to help reduce underage and high-risk drinking.
According to a study by the National Institute of Health (NIH), during the past year, 60 percent of adults in the United States reported they drank more during the pandemic than ever before. The ten organizations selected to receive grant money have proposed projects that will aim to prevent and reduce problem drinking. From video campaigns featuring local musicians to alcohol education courses for college students, grantees will reach audiences young and old with their important messages.
Grantees will work with the Virginia ABC’s Education and Prevention Division staff over the next year to implement their plans. Funds awarded for the 2021–2022 grant cycle went to:
- Averett University Counseling Services & The Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness—$5,650
- East End Renaissance Council—$3,826
- Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board—$10,000
- Hampton University—$9,998
- Henrico Too Smart 2 Start—$5,350
- Inkwell Ventures (RVA Magazine)—$10,000
- Marymount University—$8,000
- Planning District 1 Behavioral Health Services—$10,000
- Randolph-Macon College—$7,706
- Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria—$6,308
For additional information about the Virginia ABC Alcohol Education and Prevention Grant Program or other education and prevention programs, interested parties should visit their website.