Connecticut Delegation Announces $2.37 Million in Drug-Free Communities Grants

Hartford, CT - Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, announced $2.37 million in Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grants. The funds are awarded through the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy for youth substance use prevention efforts in communities across the country.

"Middle and high school-aged children with substance use disorders experience higher rates of physical and mental illness and are at-risk for worsening addiction behaviors. I was proud to work with the Connecticut Congressional delegation to secure over $2 million in federal funding, including $625,000 for Manchester, to prevent youth substance use and expand access to drug-free alternative activities. We will continue to work together to connect our youth with the resources and support needed to counter substance abuse and promote healthy outcomes," said Larson.

"This $2.37 million in federal funding comes at a time of great urgency. We are facing a substance use epidemic, and we must work to protect the next generation from the destructive grip of substance use. The seven coalitions across Connecticut, supported by this funding, are working to do just that. I will continue to fight for these critical investments to support healthy communities where our youth can thrive," said Blumenthal.

"This $2.3 million in federal funding will help prevent substance abuse by investing in local programs that educate kids in Connecticut about the risks of substance use, provide drug-free alternative programming, and support young people as they develop important social and emotional skills. Kids and teenagers face a lot of pressure these days from social media and their peers, and this funding will help ensure our kids have the tools they need to make good decisions," said Murphy.

"We need an all-hands-on deck response to address the addiction and overdose crisis, and this federal funding will support important work local coalitions are doing to prevent young people from using alcohol and drugs. Preventing early substance use goes a long way towards reducing the risk of long-term addiction, so kudos to the City of Norwich and Vernon ROCKS on securing these grants to support their ongoing prevention efforts which have already made a significant difference in their communities," said Courtney.

"This $125,000 award for the Coalition for a Better Wallingford from Drug-Free Communities represents a major investment in the future and well-being of our young people. These funds will strengthen critical partnerships and initiatives aimed at fostering safer, healthier environments for our children and adolescents. Together, we are taking a vital stand against the blight of substance use and committing to a brighter, drug-free future for our families," said DeLauro.

"Greenwich Together and The Norwalk Partnership have assembled a coalition of schools, local officials, community organizations, parents, and students to combat youth substance use- supporting and guiding children in making healthy choices. I'm thrilled these organizations will receive federal funding to further their work and look forward to seeing their positive impact," said Himes.

The funding announced today will support the following regional and local projects:

• $625,000 for the Greenwich Together Coalition
• $625,000 for the Norwich Prevention Council
• $625,000 for the Change Collaborative of Manchester
• $125,000 for the Coalition for a Better Wallingford
• $125,000 for the Vernon Rocks
• $125,000 for the Norwalk Partnership
• $125,000 for the Stand Together to Make a Difference Coalition of Danbury

The projects will establish and strengthen community collaboration in support of local efforts to prevent youth substance use.

The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, is the nation's leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. Directed and funded by ONDCP, in partnership with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the DFC Program provides grants to community-based coalitions to address youth substance use, implement evidence-based prevention locally, and ultimately, save lives.

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