PLATTSBURGH -- The North Country is getting nearly $4.5 million to prevent drug use and violence and promote the healthy mental and emotional development of children and their families.

Champlain Valley Education Services secured the highly competitive grant, which it will administer in five local school districts starting this September.

Over the next four years, the federal funding will cover the costs of implementing activities, programs and services at Moriah, Ticonderoga, AuSable Valley, Saranac and Northern Adirondack schools.

"Right now, we are in the infancy stage," said Noel Stewart, CVES grant-procurement specialist.

EARLY APPROACH

The grant focuses on elementary students and early intervention and support.

"The program is designed to provide students, schools and families with a network of services and support to help them develop the skills necessary to promote positive mental health and prevent violent behavior and drug abuse," Stewart said. "And we will provide parents and the community with the tools to strengthen the lessons being taught at school."

SECOND TRY

CVES applied for the grant last year and missed it by two points. But the second time around proved successful.

Those involved worked several months to garner community support and bring the appropriate players to the table.

Out of more than 350 applications, the government awarded 57 grants nationwide and four in New York -- three of those going to urban areas, the fourth to CVES.

CVES received a four-year, $4.3 million grant for the federal Safe Schools/Healthy Students program.

Since 1999, the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice have collaborated on the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative.

"There is a recognized community need for these types of services," Stewart said.

$1 MILLION PER YEAR