Enfield Together Coalition Awarded Drug-Free Communities Grant

Press release from the Town of Enfield:

Sept. 11, 2020

The Enfield Together Coalition (ETC) – facilitated by Youth & Family Services - received notice from The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) that it has been awarded a continuation grant for its Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program.

The DFC program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. Recognizing that local problems need local solutions, DFC-funded coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community and employ a variety of strategies to address local substance use problems. To create safe and healthy places for children to thrive and grow, it is critical to connect with youth and parents now and educate them on the dangers of substance misuse.

Since its inception in 2005, according to the bi-annual student survey, ETC has made significant reductions in underage drinking, cigarette smoking, misuse of prescription opioids, and synthetic cannabinoids. However, vaping continues to increase across all age groups. Much progress has been made in reducing youth substance misuse; however, more is possible. If you would like more information or to join the Enfield Together Coalition, please contact Colleen Violette @ 860-253-6382 or cviolette@enfield.org.

WHO: Enfield Together Coalition

WHAT: Continuation Award of $125,000 from the Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy

WHEN: October 1, 2020

WHERE: Town of Enfield, Youth & Family Services

This press release was produced by the Town of Enfield. The views expressed here are the author's own.