$120K Grant to Fight Heroin Problem in Harford County

Harford County has received a $120,000 grant to fight heroin addiction, according to a statement from Harford County government.

The grant from the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration will fund two “prevention specialist” positions to reach out to middle and high school students and community organizations about drug problems, according to county officials.

The specialists, who will focus on expanding the high school drug awareness program into middle schools, will be employees already working within the Harford County Department of Community Services, The Aegis reported.

In their new role, they will make appearances in health classes and PTA meetings, according to ABC 2 News.

“It is shocking, but heroin is reaching children as young as 11 in neighborhoods all across Harford County,” Harford County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement.

“A lot of parents think they can talk to their kids in high school, and that’s not the case,” said Amber Shrodes, director of community services for Harford County, on a recent episode of Inside Harford County. “You have to start much, much earlier on those refusal skills.”

Billboards have recently sprung up on major thoroughfares in the county to drive home this point, headlined by this statement: “Harford County kids are trying drugs at age 11.”

The billboards were part of a $100,000 public awareness campaign about the prevalence of heroin, funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Billboards, radio spots, print advertising and mobile bus advertisements are part of the effort, according to the county.

The county is also working on what Glassman said was an area that does not have many federal and state funds available: treatment.

To help people stay in recovery from addiction, Harford County has put $100,000 toward peer recovery coach training, addiction treatment and case management.

Those concerned they may have a drug problem in Harford County can call 410-877-2347.

Pictured, a billboard funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration, located on US 1. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.