NORWICH – County mental health professionals are seeking approval from the Board of Supervisors to accept a grant that they say will help thwart substance abuse among local youth.

On Monday, representatives of Community Mental Hygiene sought support from the county’s Health and Human Services Committee to accept a one-time $70,000 state grant. The funds, if accepted by the county board, will allow Community Mental Hygiene to renew a contract with the drug prevention education services at Lourdes in Binghamton.

The contract permits Lourdes to run its All Stars Program in the Afton, Bainbridge, Greene and Oxford school districts. Community Mental Hygiene Director Ruth Roberts said All Stars – which helps students learn about healthy choices in school, drug and alcohol use, and relationships – can go a long way in helping combat substance abuse among adolescents.