YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program received a $300,000 federal grant to help its effort to prevent and reduce substance abuse in the city.

The funding comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The money will allow the program to increase the capacity of its substance abuse prevention efforts.

“The impact of services delivered with this funding will be a healthier community due to a reduction in the number of youth and adults who are addicted to alcohol and other drugs, along with an increase in the number of prevention professionals locally who become certified to provide these services to youth and adults,” said Darryl Alexander, the program’s executive director.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Howland, co-chairman of the House Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus, said he “commended” the program for its “commitment to the difficult work of addressing the substance abuse issues faced by those struggling in our community. These funds will help ensure that those suffering from addiction in Mahoning County receive the resources, support and treatment they need.”

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