Senator John Kerry and Representatives Edward Markey, Stephen F. Lynch, Jim McGovern, Niki Tsongas, Michael Capuano, John Olver and William Keating, today announced that 38 Massachusetts organizations will receive over $4.5 million in federal funding through the Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC) to help curb youth substance use in local communities across the state.

“Drugs threaten our kids, but these organizations are on the frontlines working with kids and whole neighborhoods to fight back and this investment saves lives and money in the long run,” said Sen. Kerry. 

“I am pleased that this critical federal funding will support vital substance abuse prevention efforts in the communities of the 7th District. Drug and alcohol abuse can derail a promising future, deny a student educational opportunities, and destroy families. Temptations come at kids from every angle, with the most dangerous drugs sometimes filling prescription bottles in the family’s bathroom cabinet. Funding provided by the Drug Free Communities program combines substance abuse education with stepped-up enforcement efforts to provide Massachusetts kids a roadmap for a clean and healthy future,” said Rep. Markey. 

“Substance abuse can have a devastating impact on our communities but these organizations are fighting back and making a real difference for our young people. I applaud these organizations for all of their good work and am pleased to see that these grants will help them continue their outreach,” said Rep. Lynch.

“I’m very pleased that Fall River will receive these federal funds. We must continue to do all we can to prevent substance abuse among our youth,” said Rep. McGovern.

“These federal funds awarded to Lowell Community Health Center and Wayland Public Schools will promote substance abuse prevention among teens and area youths. Illegal use of drugs and alcohol at an early age can lead to a lifetime of dependence and tragedy which is why federal support of these local community prevention efforts is so critical,” said Rep. Tsongas.

“This federal funding will allow many local organizations to continue their great work reducing substance abuse in our young people. The Chelsea and Allston-Brighton organizations have already assisted so many through education and by providing resources to their communities, and these funds will help both organizations weather uncertain financial times,’ said Rep. Capuano.

“These organizations work hard to create drug-free communities and provide young people with knowledge about drugs and alternatives to drug use. In these difficult economic times, it is important that we continue to make smart investments for our children’s futures,” said Rep. Olver.

“Almost two people a day die from drug overdoses in Massachusetts. That number is staggering.  Substance abuse has long been a problem, and each day it robs more and more young people of their futures.  These funds will help to give them that future back.  I also want to take a moment to mention the commitment of many local leaders in communities throughout the state who have helped those struggling with substance abuse.  The funds provided by this grant are meaningless without the selfless and tireless dedication of these leaders,” said Rep. Keating.

The DFC program was created in 1997 with the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997. It is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in partnership with the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.

The following organizations will receive funding:

1st Congressional District

Communities That Care (Greenfield)
$75,000

Coalition for Teens (Greenfield)
$100,000

Gardner Community Action Team (Fitchburg)
$125,000

Southern Berkshire Youth Coalition
$125,000

Holyoke Youth Taskforce
$125,000

Pittsfield Prevention Partnership Community
$100,000

Gill-Montague Community-School Partnership
$125,000

2nd Congressional District

Northampton Prevention Council
$125,000

Mason Square Coalition (Springfield)
$125,000

Strategic Planning Initiative for Families and Youth (Northampton)
$100,000

3rd Congressional District

B.O.L.D. Coalition of Greater Fall River
$125,000

4th Congressional District

Brookline Coalition Against Substance Abuse
$124,928

Middleboro Youth Advocates
$100,000

5th Congressional District

Lowell Roundtable on Substance Abuse Prevention
$125,000

Wayland Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
$125,000

6th Congressional District

DanversCARES Prevention Council
$199,943

Healthy Gloucester Collaborative
$125,000

Healthy Peabody Collaborative
$125,000

Communities That Care Lynn
$125,000

Mayor’s Task Force to Reduce Substance Abuse (Newburyport)
$125,000

Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse
$99,992

7th Congressional District

Natick Together2
$125,000

Melrose Substance Abuse Prevention Council
$125,000

Arlington Youth Health & Safety Coalition
$125,000

Medford Matters
$100,000

Everett Community Health Improvement Part. SA Coalition
$125,000

8th Congressional District

Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force
$125,000

Chelsea Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol and Other Drugs
$125,000

9th Congressional District

Organizing Against Substance Abuse in Stoughton
$125,000

Avon Coalition for Every Student
$125,000

Dorchester Substance Abuse Coalition
$100,000

Needham Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Council
$125,000

South Boston Families Advocating Neighborhood Strength
$125,000

10th Congressional District

Weymouth Youth Coalition
$125,000

The Dukes County Health Council Youth Task Force (Edgartown)
$125,000

Falmouth Substance Abuse Commission
$125,000

Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, Inc. (Nantucket)
$125,000

Impact Quincy
$125,000