Pallone Announces $250,000 to Prevent Youth Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. Tuesday announced $250,000 in funding through the Drug Free Communities Support Program which will fund youth substance abuse prevention efforts. Nationally, the DFC program has been credited with a 17 percent decline in tobacco use and eight percent decline in alcohol use in high school students and has been even more effective for middle school populations.

The grants will benefit Pallone’s constituents in both Monmouth and Middlesex counties. The Middlesex County Substance Abuse Coalition and the Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County will each receive $125,000 for prevention and education programs.

“The effects of substance abuse can be devastating to young people and their families, but educating young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol is the best way to prevent substance abuse in the first place,” said Pallone. “These grants are an important investment in young people and in our communities.”

Research shows that every dollar invested in drug education and prevention programs saves up to 10 dollars in costs related to treatment for substance abuse.

The Middlesex County Substance Abuse Coalition and the Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County were two of 87 grantees selected from 452 applicants through a competitive, peer-reviewed process. To qualify, the organizations had to have at least a six-month history of working together on substance abuse reduction initiatives, have representation from 12 specific sectors of the community, develop a long-term implementation plan and participate in the national evaluation of the DFC program.