The National Recreation and Park Association has received a federal grant to help reduce opioid use among central Appalachian youth, the group announced Thursday.

The three-year initiative will involve NRPA working with local park and recreation agencies to develop mentoring programs for young people affected by opioids. The program, which is funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant, will include staff training and the development of a young-monitoring framework that leverages recreation and park assets.

"As community-based providers of health and wellness services, local park and recreation agencies serve a critical role in the lives of youth and families," NRPA CEO Kristine Stratton said in a statement. "Park and recreation professionals are critical mentors and often serve as the ‘one caring adult' for children who experience adversity and trauma in their households or community."

The association noted that approximately 78 people die every day from an opioid overdose and that one infant is born every 15 minutes experience withdraw symptoms from being exposed to opioids before birth. People living within the Appalachian region 55 percent more likely to die from a drug overdose than other U.S. residents.