LANCASTER, N.H. (AP) _ A northern New Hampshire substance use prevention program for youth has received $150,000 in grants to help with outdoors events, service projects and healthy behavior tips for children.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is awarding the grants to the North Country Health Consortium.

The consortium’s Youth Leadership Through Adventure program strives to teach children to be leaders and to deepen their connection to community with the goal of keeping off of drugs and alcohol.

The amount is part of over $612,000 awarded in grants the fund awarded to nine organizations.

“The Tillotson funding will allow the North Country Health Consortium to continue and enhance prevention efforts in North Country schools and communities,” said Nancy Frank, executive director of the North Country Health Consortium. She said the leadership program “empowers North Country youth to lead and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and reduce substance misuse.”

Frank said next year, leadership program groups will expand their focus to address identified community needs, including the rise in heroin use.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund accepts proposals from eligible organizations providing services in Colebrook, Pittsburg, Clarksville, Stewartstown, Dixville Notch and other towns in Coos County, as well as bordering communities in Quebec and Vermont.