January 15, 2003  

Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus Announces
Health Information Project Grant to Local Libraries

Poughkeepsie... Libraries in Dutchess County will benefit from increased funding this year through Dutchess County’s Health Information Project, it was announced today by County Executive William R. Steinhaus. Funded by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services through the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene, the Health Information Project supplies prevention education materials which address substance abuse and related health issues of concern to youth ages 20 and under, their families, educators and agencies serving youth through the member public libraries served by the Mid-Hudson Library System. The amount of the grant is $79,604.

According to Commissioner of Mental Hygiene Dr. Kenneth Glatt, “The Health Education Project provides free access to consumer health information and includes four components: Substance abuse/health information centers, a Teen Intern Program, Agency Collaboration and Project Website. The Health Information Centers provide recommended prevention material in print, video and electronic formats to local agencies operating recognized prevention and treatment programs. The materials address the concerns of young people and their families and topics include alcohol use, decision-making, self esteem, depression, disease prevention and substance abuse amongst others. Health Information Centers are located at the Howland Library in Beacon, the LaGrange Association Library and Pawling Free Library.”

Mr. Steinhaus added, “This is another example of Dutchess County government’s commitment to helping children and families successfully meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. The Health Information Project is an active partner in many community collaborations including the Choices for Change partnership in Southern Dutchess, the Beacon Health Resources Center, and programs operated by the Catherine Street Community Center. These unique and innovative public/private collaborations that address issues affecting children, youth, and families in Dutchess County demonstrate that we are all working together toward a common goal: to improve the conditions and well-being of Dutchess County children, youth and families.”

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