Larson Announces $375,000 for Youth Substance Use Prevention
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced $375,000 in new federal funding from the Drug-Free Communities Support Program for three coalitions serving Connecticut’s First District.
“These local youth substance-use prevention coalitions are part of a nationwide effort to take on the addiction and overdose epidemic,” said Larson. “I am proud of our bipartisan work in Congress and with the Biden Administration to empower community-based efforts to prevent and reduce substance use among our kids. This new funding will support the ongoing work that has already contributed to a decline in youth substance use.”
The following local coalitions received funding:
Bristol Eliminating Substance Use Together (B.E.S.T.), Bristol
Northwest Corner Prevention Network, Torrington
Wethersfield Partners Encouraging Substance-Use Awareness Coalition, Wethersfield
“B.E.S.T. is a vital Bristol program. This money will immediately aid in education and outreach to reduce the Opioid Crisis that every community faces to one degree or another,” said Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano. “We are thankful to John Larson and the entire Congressional Delegation for their support of Bristol.”
“I appreciate Congressman Larson’s efforts, and that of all Connecticut’s Congressional delegation ensuring funds from the federal Drug-Free Communities grant are available here in Wethersfield. These funds will be used to hire staff, conduct prevention programs and collect and analyze data. In particular, the town has created the Wethersfield Helping Others Through Prevention Education (WeHOPE) program that will provide additional resources for drug and alcohol prevention programs, while engaging and mobilizing our town’s youth, parents and community partners to reduce youth alcohol and drug use, and create a safer and healthier Wethersfield,” said Wethersfield Mayor Mike Rell.
"The Northwest Corner Prevention Network has been operating for well over a decade with the express purpose of enhancing the Northwestern Connecticut youth and families’ ability to make informed, healthy decisions, promote resilience and prevent substance use. Generous funding from the Foundation for Community Health and the Northwest Corner Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Foundation In 2014 allowed for Prevention Specialists from the McCall Center to be involved and partner with the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau to lead the efforts. The Drug-Free Communities grant represents an auspicious opportunity to effectively address the root causes of substance use and build healthy children and families throughout this region," said Andrew Lyon, Director of Prevention Services at the McCall Center for Behavioral Health and Help.
Grants were awarded to 645 coalitions nationwide, an $81 million federal investment in youth substance-use prevention.