Contact:
Weldon Freeman
(202) 690-1384
PRINCETON, W.V., Oct. 27, 2018 – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will award additional priority points to Solid Waste Management Grant Program applications proposing innovative projects to promote the safe disposal of prescription drugs in rural communities. Hazlett made the announcement in observance of the 16th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
“Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to local leaders in combatting the opioid epidemic in rural America,” Hazlett said. “Helping rural families with local options to dispose of unused medications is an important first step in building healthy rural communities.”
USDA Solid Waste Management Grants support the planning and management of solid waste sites. Rural communities, non-profit organizations, federally recognized tribes and academic institutions can apply.
The application deadline for the Solid Waste Management Grant Program is Dec. 31, 2018. Applications can be submitted electronically at Grants.gov or in hard copy to: USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 5168, STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250-1597.
According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.2 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that nearly 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2017. More than half of those deaths involved opioids, including prescription drugs and heroin.
In May 2018, the White House Office of National Drug Control policy (ONDCP) stood up the Rural Opioid Federal Interagency Working Group to help address the opioid crisis by improving coordination and reducing potential overlap among federal agencies responding to the crisis in the Nation’s rural communities.
The Working Group is co-chaired by ONDCP and USDA. The departments and agencies represented on the Rural Opioid Federal Interagency Working Group include the departments of Commerce, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing, Justice, Labor, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs; the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
#
==============================
2018 National Summit on Education Reform Media Registration Now Open
Media Registration is now open for the Foundation for Excellence in Education’s 2018 National Summit on Education Reform. The nation’s premier education forum, featuring a keynote address by Governor Jeb Bush, convenes lawmakers and policymakers for in-depth discussions on proven education policies and innovative strategies to improve student achievement.
Featured events during the 2018 Summit include:
Visit the National Summit Website for a complete list of speakers and a full agenda for the event.
All members of the media, including bloggers, who plan to cover the Summit must be credentialed by the Foundation for Excellence in Education. All media should apply for advance credentials online via the media registration form by COB Friday, Nov. 30. Advance registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited.
OPEN PRESS
2018 National Summit on Education Reform
All Keynote, General and Strategy Sessions*
Dates and Times
Thursday, December 6, 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Friday, December 7, 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
901 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
*Audio and video recording of Chip Heath’s keynote presentation is not permitted.
Follow #EIE18 and @ExcelinEd on Twitter for the latest news and updates regarding the 2018 Summit.
=============================================
LET'S GET REAL ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS
The Nightmare Before (& During) Halloween
This holiday of itchy costumes, flashing lights, strangers, and candy can be a horror show for our kids. Put these Halloween strategies in your bag to steer clear of trick-or-treating meltdowns.
"I Hate What I Do to My Son"
"I know that he can't just pay attention, but the words slip out... and I repeat the mistakes my parents made with me."
Tempering the Sugar Rush
"Buy" your child's haul, so he can get something he really wants, and more ideas for avoiding candy catastrophes.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Holidays Are Upon Us!
"Time to hyperfocus on carving a fleet of artistic jack-o-lanterns — while forgetting to buy groceries... again. Sigh."
The Power of the Pause
Want to raise a resilient child who can verbalize emotions? It's easier than you think. In fact, don't say anything at all....
NEW CONTEST
Enter to Win a Forbrain System!
Tell us what ADD-friendly gifts sit atop your child's wish list this year. Enter now »
ADDITUDE PICKS: ADD THESE TO YOUR OWN WISH LIST
Moleskine Smart Planner
This paper planner will seamlessly sync your handwritten appointments to Google Calendar or another app via smart technology. Learn more >
FitBit Versa Smart Watch
Track your activity, get appointment reminders, and even make secure payments with this lightweight, waterproof watch. Learn more >
