$1.7 million in grants awarded in Georgia to combat drugs, crime

MACON, Ga. – Athens and Columbus governments were awarded significant federal funding to support their efforts combating drugs and crime, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced Friday.

The Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) announced awards totaling more than $333 million to help communities across the nation affected by the opioid crisis.

In the Middle District of Georgia, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County was awarded $600,000 under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program.

The Columbus Consolidated Government received a $735,360 grant under the Family Drug Court Program and a $400,000 grant under the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program.

In addition, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, which supports law enforcement efforts across Georgia, received $2,000,000 under the Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program. Another statewide impact recipient is the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, awarded $1,250,000 under the Statewide and Regional Mentoring Initiatives for Youth Impacted by Opioids, one of only four states to receive this funding targeting youth. Information about these programs and awards announced today is available here.

“The opioid crisis has destroyed far too many lives and left too many Americans feeling helpless and hopeless,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “This epidemic—the most deadly in our nation’s history—is introducing new dangers and loading public health responsibilities onto the public safety duties of our law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice is here to support them during this unprecedented and extremely challenging time.”

“These grants reflect the Department of Justice’s commitment to helping local communities fight the opioid crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “As our state continues to grapple with opioid abuse, these grants will support effective treatment for abusers, develop stronger court programs and bolster mentoring for young people. Thank you to our law enforcement partners, local government, and community leaders for your help fighting this historic epidemic.”