CONNECTICUT SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION GROUPS GET FEDERAL FUNDING

Nearly $3 million in federal funding will go to substance abuse prevention efforts in the state, including several local southeastern Connecticut drug prevention coalitions.

A total of $2,875,000 from the Office of National Drug Control Policy through the Drug-Free Communities Support Program will help fund community coalitions working to prevent youth substance use.

Members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation applauded the funds in a news release Wednesday. Two organizations, the Community Health Resource Inc.’s Griswold PRIDE Coalition and Woodbury-Bethlehem Parent Connection Inc.’s Advocates for Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, will both receive first-time funding of $125,000.

In addition to the new funding, 21 Connecticut groups will get $125,000 in continuation funding, including the New London Community & Campus Coalition, the Southeastern Regional Action Council on Substance Abuse in Waterford and Ledge Light Health District’s Ledyard Prevention Coalition.

“Prevention is key, and this federal funding will strengthen local efforts that educate and inspire our youth to pursue fulfilling, drug-free lives,” the delegation said in a release.

Nationwide, the ONDCP announced $90.9 million in grants to 731 local drug prevention coalitions.