Illinois groups get $3.2M to fight youth drug abuse

CHICAGO (AP) - Community groups across Illinois are receiving federal grants totaling $3.2 million to help prevent substance abuse among young people.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced the funding from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy on Friday. He says prevention "is a crucial element of our response to the ongoing opioid epidemic."

Two dozen organizations will each receive $125,000. They include Pledge for Life Partnership in Kankakee, BN Parents in Normal and several groups in Chicago and its suburbs. Wabash County Project Success in Mount Carmel is receiving $200,000.

Durbin says that by working with local coalitions, officials can better address the causes and dynamics of substance abuse in individual communities.

Almost $86 million is being awarded across the U.S. as part of the federal Drug-Free Communities Support Program.