Attorney General Josh Shapiro: “Let’s Keep Prom Safe”

May 19, 2017 | Topic: OAG News

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the Office of Attorney General is distributing grants to six high schools in southeastern Pennsylvania to help the schools pay for alcohol- and drug-free post-prom parties for their students.

The purpose of the Office of Attorney General grants is to help students make safe choices during prom season – and avoid alcohol or drugs that can often precipitate health risks or tragedies.

“An important part of our mission is to help educate students so they will make good decisions,” Shapiro said. “These post prom events remind students of the consequences from drug use and underage alcohol consumption. That’s our message: You can stay safe and healthy and have fun too. Let’s keep prom safe.”

The six high schools receiving grants, ranging in size from $1,000 to $7,425, are:

  • Downingtown East High School, of Exton
  • Downingtown West High School, of Downingtown
  • Sun Valley High School, of Aston
  • West Chester East High School, of West Chester
  • Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, of Plymouth Meeting
  • Downingtown STEM Academy, of Downingtown

The grants come from the Community Drug Abuse Prevention Grant Program, administered by the Office of Attorney General to bring an educational program to students, parents and community members on the dangers of the illegal use of prescription drugs, street drugs and underage drinking. The OAG grant program receives its funding from the Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Fund, a repository for fines collected from persons convicted of drug and alcohol offenses, which was established by the legislature in 2002.

The grants help foster community engagement as well. Community members, local officials and law enforcement officers work together to coordinate the events and emphasize the message.

“When students use illegal drugs and participate in underage drinking, we see increases in crime resulting in too often tragic results,” Attorney General Shapiro said.  “Reaching students with the right message is part of our work on prevention and public safety across our Commonwealth. Let’s work together and keep proms safe.”

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