Gil Kerlikowske, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, recently announced $19.8 million in new Drug-Free Communities Support Program grants were awarded to 147 communities and 19 new DFC Mentoring grants across the country.
The awards are in addition to the $59.4 million in continuation grants simultaneously released to 473 currently funded DFC coalitions and four DFC Mentoring continuation coalitions. Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention, a program of Cary Medical Center, was one of the grant recipients and will receive $125,000 in DFC grant funds to involve and engage local communities in the prevention of substance use among youth.
The DFC Program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate citizen participation in local drug prevention efforts. Coalitions are composed of community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, health care and business professionals, law enforcement, the media and others working together at the local level.
“President Obama believes in the pursuit of an America built to last, a nation with an educated, skilled workforce that has the knowledge, energy and expertise to succeed in a highly competitive global marketplace,” said Kerlikowske. “For too many young people, this future is clouded by drug use, which inhibits their ability to remain healthy and safe and to achieve their full potential. We congratulate this coalition on its work to raise a generation of young people equipped to remain drug free and ready to meet the challenges and successfully compete in the 21st century.”
“We are not powerless against the challenge of drug use among young people here in Aroostook County,” said Bethany Zell, prevention coordinator for Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention. “Research shows that prevention is the most effective tool we have to reduce the terrible consequences associated with drug use among young people. This new funding will allow ASAP to help place more young people on the path toward success and enable them to live healthier and safer lives.”
“The key to preventing substance abuse is harnessing the talents, resources and interests of all segments of our local communities,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. “America’s families, schools, places of worship, health care providers, community centers and other civic organizations all play an essential role in helping our youth avoid illicit substance use.”
Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention will specifically work to address underage drinking, marijuana and prescription drug abuse. ASAP will utilize developmental asset building as a foundation for their prevention work in Aroostook County.
