Network awarded federal grant

Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), announced Tuesday the awarding of $21 million in new Drug Free Communities (DFC) grants to 161 communities across the country.

Wahkiakum Community Network from Cathlamet was one of the grant recipients and will receive $125,000 in DFC grant funds to involve and engage the local community to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug abuse among youth.

“Efforts to keep our youth drug free are critical to healthy communities here in Wahkiakum County,” said Lia Sealund, director of the Network. “The Drug Free Communities Program recognizes the great potential of Wahkiakum Community Network to help save lives of youth. This new funding will allow Wahkiakum Community Network to mobilize and organize our community to prevent and reduce substance abuse.”

“The Drug Free Communities Support Program bolsters individuals and groups across the Nation that are improving their communities by preventing drug abuse,” said Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration Acting Administrator Eric Broderick. “SAMHSA is honored to play a role in this innovative program, which has done so much to promote well-being, hope and feelings of empowerment among so many young people.”

Kerlikowske said evidence shows that communities receiving DFC funding have lower instances of youth using tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.

The Drug Free Communities program is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The DFC program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions 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.