(Washington, DC)— Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.) today announced that the School District of West Allis-West Milwaukee will be receiving $201,651 in Alcohol Abuse Reduction funding. The funds will be used to implement a multi-level program titled Project CHANGE (Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol, Healthy Decision-Making Strategies, Alcohol Refusal and Resiliency Skills, Project Northland Class Action, Guidance and Education).

Project CHANGE will consist of two model programs that have been approved by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. These programs are Class Action, a high school program that develops resistance, decision-making, social competence and leadership skills, and Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol, a community organizing effort designed to change policies and practices of major community institutions in ways that reduce access to alcohol by teenagers.

The school district is expected to receive the funds for three years, which would bring the total funding to around $600,000 for the three year period.

“We know the temptation for kids to experiment with drugs and alcohol is out there,” Congresswoman Moore said. “Underage drinking is incredibly dangerous for teens who are oftentimes binging on alcohol and do not understand reasonable limits. We need to teach kids the consequences of alcohol abuse and teach them healthy living habits so we can prevent the types of accidents that too often claim young lives and have seriously long-lasting repercussions.”

“We are very pleased to be receiving additional resources to support our district’s comprehensive K-12 Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program,” said West Allis-West Milwaukee School District Superintendent Kurt D. Wachholz. “We appreciate Congresswoman Moore’s support and enthusiasm for our Project CHANGE proposal. We look forward to working with our community partners in a joint effort to reduce youth substance abuse and provide positive, healthy alternatives for our students.”

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For an interview with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, please contact Marni Goldberg at 202-593-8574.

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