Pubdate: Wed, 22 May 2002 Source: Picayune Item (MS) Copyright: 2002 The Picayune Item Contact: http://www.picayuneitem.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1309 Author: Associated Press MISSISSIPPI GETS MONEY FOR TEEN DRUG, ALCOHOL PREVENTION MADISON -- Mississippi is spending $9 million over three years for programs to prevent drug and alcohol abuse by preteens and teen-agers. "It's been said our children are the message we send to a time we want to see. I want that message to arrive safely," Gov. Ronnie Musgrove said Tuesday in announcing the grant during a news conference at Madison Central High School. Mississippi is receiving $3 million a year over three years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The first grant money arrived last October, and officials have been preparing to solicit proposals for local programs. The program is called the Mississippi Alliance for Prevention, and a 42-member advisory council held its first meeting Tuesday. Glenda Crump, the alliance manager, said local proposals are due Aug. 9 and officials are looking for ideas that already have proven effective among 12- to 17-year-olds. "We've been doing a lot of things in prevention that haven't worked," Crump said. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth