U.S. Congressman. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced that Operation UNITE’s School-Based Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor Program has received a $618,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Service’s (HHS) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to prevent students from using drugs and to help treat those who are currently addicted.

“Operation UNITE gives hope to those families who are struggling to help loved ones grappling with drug addiction,” said Rogers. “No doubt, this grant from HHS will go a long way to educate our youth about the dangers of drugs and provide hope for those who need treatment. The more our communities band together in this fight, the more successful we will be in keeping drugs off our streets and protecting our children from the dangers of substance abuse.”

Operation UNITE’s In-School Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselors assist adolescents in ending use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; supports students, their families, schools and communities in minimizing potential drug abuse risk factors; and helps youth access recovery support services. The program will also assist in drug treatment program referrals in the 29 counties that comprise Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.