MACON, Ga. - Athens and Columbus, Georgia governments were awarded significant federal funding to support their efforts combatting drugs and crime, announced Charles “Charlie" Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. The Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) today 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.
“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."
With more than 130 people dying from opioid-related overdoses every day, the Department of Justice has made fighting addiction to opioids-including heroin and fentanyl-a national priority. The Trump Administration is providing critical funding for a wide range of activities-from preventive services and comprehensive treatment to recovery assistance, forensic science services and research-to help save lives and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
The awards announced today support an array of activities designed to reduce the harm inflicted by these dangerous drugs. Grants will help law enforcement officers, emergency responders and treatment professionals coordinate their response to overdoses. Funds will also provide services for children and youth affected by the crisis and will support the nationwide network of drug and treatment courts. Other awards will address prescription drug abuse, expand the capacity of forensic labs and support opioid-related research.
For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage. The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
