WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Andy Harris (all Md.) today announced $1,249,912 in federal funding to help prevent youth drug and substance use in communities across Maryland. This Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program continuation grant is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC).

“Drug and substance use has impacted countless families in Maryland and tackling it requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. We know that one of the best ways to take on this challenge is to invest in the folks who are already working in our communities to prevent youth drug and substance use, and who are best equipped to assist those in need. This funding will help reduce and prevent drug and substance use among young Marylanders by supporting on-the-ground efforts led by local leaders and community organizations. As we work to end the addiction crisis across the country, we will continue fighting for resources and collaborating with local partners to address this issue head-on,” said the lawmakers.

Coalition recipients in Maryland include:

• $125,000 for Somerset Prevention Works Drug Free Coalition
• $125,000 for Works in Suitland Drug-Free Coalition
• $125,000 for Access to Wholistic and Productive Living Institute in Suitland
• $125,000 for Crisfield Community Prevention Works DFC
• $125,000 for Upton/Druid Heights Strengthening Families Coalition
• $125,000 for Pocomoke Drug Free Community Coalition
• $125,000 for Mosaic Community Services, Inc. in Salisbury
• $125,000 for Drug Free Baltimore
• $125,000 for North East Drug Free Communities Coalition/Cecil County Drug Free Community Coalition
• $124,912 for Cecil County Drug-Free Community Coalition

The DFC Program is designed to support communities as they mobilize individuals and organizations to prevent youth substance use. DFC-funded coalitions serve as a catalyst for implementing evidence-based prevention locally and contribute to significant declines in prevalence of past 30-day youth use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and the misuse of prescription drugs.

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