Senator Ossoff Secures $875K in Federal Funding to Combat Youth Substance Abuse in Georgia

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Senator Jon Ossoff has announced $875K in funding to prevent substance abuse among young people in communities throughout Georgia. The Coffee County Board of Education is one of seven recipients to receive the funding, provided through the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program.

Ossoff stated,

“I’m delivering this federal funding to empower Georgia communities to keep kids safe from addiction and overdose.”

The DFC Support Program funds community-based coalitions that engage multiple sectors to prevent youth substance use. The program provides grants of up to $125,000 per year for five years to community coalitions to "strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use."

“DFC coalitions involve local community leaders in identifying the needs of their communities to help families and youth prevent substance abuse. These leaders include parents, businesses, media, schools, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and faith communities, among others. They work together to identify solutions and apply a balanced, comprehensive approach to reducing substance use in their neighborhoods.”

The recent grants are an extension of $2.8 million in funding that was awarded in July.

The Coffee County Board of Education received $125K for the Coffee County Youth Coalition.

Other communities that received grants include Elberton, Millen, Stone Mountain, Cartersville, Auburn, and East Point & College Park.

Attributions: Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program/Sen. Ossoff