MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reinforced its backing of substance use prevention by awarding grants to various regional coordinators across the state, including Community Advocates, a group serving Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties.

Allocated $120,919 per year for the next five years, Community Advocates will support more than 100 community coalitions aimed at curbing drug-related issues.

The press release announcing the statewide awards specified that they are part of Wisconsin's portion of the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.

DHS aims to focus on substance use prevention areas, such as underage drinking, adult binge drinking and opioid use among all ages. Regional coordinators are essential in implementing campaigns, presentations and other preventive measures in their respective regions.

More information about Community Advocates can be found by clicking here.