MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $100,163 grant to assist in creating an antibullying program that will serve Morgan and Lawrence counties. 

Grant funds will be used by the Mental Health Association in Morgan County to develop the Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention program. The goal of the program is to educate elementary and middle school students in the counties about the negative effects of bullying and how to deal with and prevent it. It also includes an awareness campaign geared toward adults through social media that focuses on how they can lead by example to combat bullying.   

“Children of any age can experience bullying in school and, unfortunately, even at home,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am proud to support the Mental Health Association in Morgan County as it works to create stronger communities by combating this problem that affects too many children.” 

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation and water resources management. 

“ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in her support of this program to create better school and home environments through education and understanding,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Our partnership with organizations like the Mental Health Association in Morgan County serve to create support systems for some of the most vulnerable in Alabama.”