Albany County Legislature, County Executive, Award nearly $225,000 to 21 Schools, Non-Profits

The Albany County Legislature, in conjunction with the County Executive's Office, and the Department of Health awarded nearly $225,000 in grant funding to school districts and non-profit organizations throughout Albany County in the Cahill Room within the Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office Building today.

Grants were awarded for tobacco and substance use prevention in schools to address the alarming rise in tobacco, vaping, and substance use among teens and young adults. Funding will also support women's health programming including education, service and resource distribution, health screenings, workshops, mental health services, and community outreach initiatives.

The awards are part of the Albany County Improvement Initiative program.

More ceremony photos are available here.

Awardees include:

Tobacco Use Prevention

Albany Leadership Charter Schools

Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District

Capital District Recovery Center & NAACP of Albany

City School District of Albany

Colonie Central High School

Green Island Union Free School District

KIPP Capital Region Public Schools

Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc.

Voorheesville Central School District

Women's Health

4th Family Inc.

Bring on the Spectrum

Chasing Health

Noteworthy Resources

Parents of Angel Children

Russell Sage College

Stepping Out

The Albany Black Chamber of Commerce

The Mind Wellness Lab

The Warren and Denyse Mackey Foundation

Top Notch Athletics

Upstate Lactation Collective

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: "So much of the critical and crucial work that teachers in these schools and volunteers with these organizations do is far from the spotlight. We are proud to support them financially during these uncertain times, honored to thank them publicly, and happy to help raise awareness about how they support residents throughout Albany County. These are the quiet heroes who ensure that all children and citizens are kept safe, treated with dignity, and have access to the assistance they need to thrive."

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: "In an increasingly negative world, filled with people profiting by dividing us, each of these schools and organizations is part of the positive and unifying forces of education and support. Through every child they teach and family they assist, they make the world a little bit brighter and a little bit better. They educate every student who comes through the doors regardless of their race, religion, or socioeconomic status. They go into the underserved and historically marginalized communities and bring help to those who need it most. I am inspired by them, I believe in them, and I thank them."

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: "Protecting our kids from the dangers of tobacco and vaping is one of our most urgent public health priorities. At the same time, we know that investing in women's health leads to stronger families and communities. By awarding this funding, we support protection, education, and care where it's needed most."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said: "The Albany County Improvement Initiative Grant Program has been a powerful tool that ensures community organizations have the resources they need to support the health and well-being of our residents. I commend the Albany County Legislature for this important initiative and would like to congratulate the awardees of the tobacco use prevention and women's health grant programs. Education is our first line of defense when it comes to tobacco and substance abuse prevention. By equipping students with accurate information, we empower them to make informed, healthy choices. Likewise, improving education and healthcare access is crucial for improving health outcomes among women, trans, and non-binary individuals. Let's continue to work together to support our community partners."