LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has been awarded a five-year, $7.5 million grant to address underage drinking.

The federal grant is intended to help youths in 11 Nebraska counties that are considered higher-risk areas. The counties are Adams, Boyd, Dawes, Dawson, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster, Madison, Platte, Scotts Bluff and Thurston. They were chosen based on data from surveys, hotlines, treatment admissions and community assessment information.

Department officials say Nebraskans in their late teens and early 20s are the most likely age group to drink, to drive after drinking, and to die or suffer injuries in an alcohol-related crash.

The grant was awarded by the federal Substance and Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.