17 organizations in Northwest Vermont receive grants to prevent drug abuse
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – A variety of local groups in northwestern Vermont hoping to make a dent in the substance abuse crisis will be getting a little extra help.
United Way of Northwest Vermont (UWNVT), a local affiliate of the nonprofit organization United Way, announced Wednesday that 17 organizations, ranging from youth centers to homeless shelters, will receive grants to help with substance abuse prevention. The awards total $647,000 and are part of Vermont's new model for getting funds to local organizations by going through regional partners first.
'It is incredibly heartening to see so many local people doing vital substance misuse preventionwork in our region, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized populations,' said United Way manager Mahat Abdullahi.
Opioid overdose deaths in Vermont dropped significantly last year
UWNVT said that they chose these 17 organizations, in Chittenden, Grand Isle, Franklin, and Washington Counties, out of 41 total who applied for grants, and called the choice 'no easy task'. They include Good Samaritan Haven in Barre, the King Street Center for youth in Burlington, and the Georgia Public Library. The grants will cover funding for July 2025 through June 2026.
Priority was given to services and activities that address needs of 'priority populations', including veterans, people with limited English proficiency, and people with disabilities.
You can learn more about Vermont's model for helping prevent drug and alcohol abuse at the Department of Health website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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