Thursday, August 23, 2012

Santa Fe, NM – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District announced today that five organizations in Northern New Mexico are receiving more than $600,000 through grants from the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program.  The DFC program, which is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, is designed to support community coalitions as they mobilize individuals and organizations to reduce youth substance abuse.  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.

“Substance abuse is a serious problem that impacts too many families and communities in New Mexico,” Congressman Luján said.  “In order to combat this challenge and create a brighter future for our young people that is substance free, we must all come together and have the involvement and efforts of the community at a local level.  These grants provide much-needed resources to support those who are on the ground in our communities working to build a safe and drug-free environment.”

“America’s success in the 21st century depends in part on our ability to help young people make decisions that will keep them healthy and safe,” said Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy.  “We congratulate these coalitions on their work to raise a generation of young people equipped to remain drug free and ready to prosper in school, in their communities, and in the workplace.  While law enforcement efforts will always serve a vital role in keeping our communities safe, we know that stopping drug use before it ever begins is always the smartest and most cost-effective way to reduce drug use and its consequences.”

The following organizations in Northern New Mexico are receiving DFC grants:

• Santa Fe Underage Drinking Prevention Alliance - $125,000
• Zia Health Task Force - $106,188
• Shiprock Anti-Meth Task Force - $125,000
• Team Builders Counseling Services - $125,000
• Rio Arriba Family Care Network - $125,000

DFC is a matching federal grant; each community provides a minimum of a one-to-one match in local funding, thereby doubling the federal investment while leveraging local support.

Luján has been working with local communities to address the drug and substance abuse problem in New Mexico.  Earlier this summer, Luján hosted a drug summit with Director Kerlikowske to discuss the impact of substance abuse and how to address this challenge.

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