BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today announced that nine Massachusetts organizations will receive a total of $1,124,733 in federal funding through the Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC).

“Drugs threaten our kids and our communities. These education and community-wide prevention efforts will save lives. I am glad that so many of our state’s great programs will receive the financial help they need to keep our neighborhoods safe, healthy and drug-free,” said Senator Kerry.

Melissa Wagoner, spokesperson for Senator Edward M. Kennedy said, “The health and safety of the nation’s children should be a top priority for the Congress. This funding is important in enabling our communities to develop positive environments for children to thrive and reach their full potential, and avoid the use of drugs.”

The DFC program was created in 1997 with the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997. It is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in partnership with the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. The program is designed to support communities as they mobilize individuals and organizations to push back against youth drug use.

The following Massachusetts organizations will receive funding:

Arlington Youth Health & Safety Coalition $125,000

Brookline Coalition Against Substance Abuse $124,928

Danvers CARES $124,805

Falmouth Substance Abuse Commission $125,000

South Berkshire Youth Coalition $125,000

Gil-Montague Community School Partnership of Franklin Co. $125,000

Dukes County Heath Youth Task Force $125,000

Wayland Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition $125,000

Communities that Care Lynn $125,000

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