Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman John L. Mica announced today that the Putnam County Anti-Drug Coalition has been awarded a federal grant in the amount of $125,000 for the Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC).
        These funds will be used to help the Coalition achieve their goals of strengthening the collaboration efforts between Putnam County Anti-Drug Coalition’s partner organizations in support of the community’s effort to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth and promote factors that help minimize the risk of substance abuse.
        Created in 1997, the Drug Free Communities support program is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in partnership with the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  The DFC program provides grants to community organizations that facilitate citizen participation in local drug prevention efforts.  Coalitions are comprised of community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, health care and business professionals, law enforcement and the media.
        “I am pleased by the federal government’s recognition of the need in these communities for support,” Rep. Mica said.  “This significant cooperative assistance will help us tackle one of the most pressing issues facing young people and communities that substance abuse continues to burden, both socially and economically,” Rep. Mica added.