MONTEREY COUNTY — County of Monterey Health Department’s Public Health Bureau is the recipient of a $210,799 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support the Public Health Cannabis Education Program.
Grant funds will support the expansion of drugged driving prevention messages through the use of social media and educational materials that engage Monterey County cannabis consumers.
“With this funding, we will be able to enhance our efforts to address impaired driving in our community and promote safer roads for all,” said Michelle House, program manager for the Health Department.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, after alcohol, cannabis is most often associated with impaired driving. Cannabis use can slow reaction time, decrease the ability to make quick decisions, and reduce coordination, leading to poor outcomes on our roadways.
“Education plays a pivotal role in creating a strong road safety culture that prioritizes traffic safety,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “By addressing the underlying issues associated with impaired driving, the campaign can successfully bring awareness on the dangers of driving under the influence.”
The grant program runs through September 2024.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
