Hall County’s Drug Free Communities workgroup is one of only three groups in Georgia to receive federal funds from the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The federal office announced more than $24.4 million in new Drug Free Communities grants to 199 drug free community coalitions throughout the nation.

Hall County’s Drug Free Communities workgroup received $125,000 a year, renewable for five years.

Hall County’s collaborative is a workgroup of the Hall County Commission for Children and Families. Other members include United Way, Center Point, Hall County Schools, AVITA Community Partners, Hall County courts, Department of Juvenile Justice, students from area middle and high schools, Department of Public Health and parents.

The grant provides funds to hire a community coordinator, supports existing community efforts to educate Hall County regarding substance abuse issues and helps implement communitywide prevention programs with both young people and adults. The workgroup expects to announce a coordinator to direct its efforts by Nov. 1.