New program launched by Gov. Kasich focuses on youth drug abuse prevention
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A new initiative focused on youth drug abuse prevention kicked off in Youngstown.
The program launched by Governor Kasich and his wife is called Start Talking.
On Monday, Ohio's Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor was at East High School to detail a program aimed at ending the heroin and opiate epidemic statewide.
"If we just talk to a middle school student, take the opportunity to explain what the consequences are, how addictive opiates and heroin are; research proves that you can save a child's life half the time. Fifty-percent of the time they will not become addicted or use drugs just because adults spoke to them," Taylor said.
One million dollars in federal funds is available and local school districts can apply for the funds to help kick-off their Start Talking programs next year.
