Barton County’s Special Alcohol Fund money will help keep kids from getting involved with drugs and help those who are trying to get their lives back on track, it was announced at the County Commission meeting Monday morning. 

The Barton County Health Department had solicited applications for the distribution of money, said Health Director Shelly Schneider. The funds are derived from the 10 percent gross receipts tax on the sale of liquor in private clubs. 

For 2016, funds available totaled $4,771, Schneider said. Applications were accepted following a public announcement period and included the Barton County Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. program with a request of $3,500 and Dream Inc. Outpatient Services with a request of $4,000.

Schneider said the D.A.R.E. program, which serves fifth graders in the county, will get the full amount sought. “It promotes positive law enforcement interactions,” Schneider said, adding it also helps hold children accountable for their actions.

Hays-based Dream Inc. Outpatient Services will receive $1,271. It has offered treatment programs locally for those suffering from additions for 23 years, Schneider said, adding this money is also its only local source of funding.

The money “may be used only for the purchase, establishment, maintenance or expansion of services or programs whose principal purpose is alcoholism and drug abuse prevention and education, alcohol and drug detoxification, intervention in alcohol and drug abuse or treatment of persons who are alcoholics or drug abusers or are in danger of becoming alcoholics or drug abusers,” she said. 

The fund has been around since 1979, Schneider said. It was establishes “as a way to give back to the community.”