PROVIDENCE – Mayor David N. Cicilline today announced that the Mayor’s Substance Abuse Prevention Council has been awarded a $625,000 grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Office (ONDCP).  Providence received the funding as part of $21 million in new Drug Free Communities (DFC) grants awarded to 161 communities across America.  The funds will be used to strengthen Mayor Cicilline’s Substance Abuse Prevention Council’s efforts to engage the community and prevent underage drinking and drug abuse.

The MSAPC will receive $125,000 annually totaling $625,000 over five years to facilitate public participation in the City’s drug prevention efforts.  Initiatives will include launching a major parent engagement and education campaign, employing a cadre of Neighborhood Engagement Leaders, sponsoring a series of workshops for parents and developing local legislation designed to reduce underage drinking.

“My administration has worked hard to ensure the healthy development of our youth through a number of initiatives including high-quality after school programs designed to keep children engaged in safe, stimulating activities,” said Mayor Cicilline.  “These federal funds will enhance our efforts to protect our youth from making dangerous choices like consuming alcohol or drugs.”

“Evidence shows that communities receiving DCF funding have lower instances of youth using tobacco, alcohol and marijuana,” said Gil Kerlikowske, Director of ONDCP.  “I commend the coalitions like MSAPC, who work tirelessly to prevent and reduce youth drug use across the nation with the aid of DFC funds.”

The grant recipients were selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed process.  To qualify for matching grants, all awardees must have a 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 plan to reduce substance abuse, and participate in the national evaluation of the Drug Free Communities program.

“Efforts to keep our youth drug free are critical to healthy communities here in Providence,” said Caitlin Thomas-Henkel, Director, MSAPC.  “The Drug Free Communities Program recognizes the great potential of the MSAPC to help save lives.  This new funding will allow MSAPC to mobilize and organize the community to prevent and reduce substance abuse.”

The Office of National Drug Control Policy has awarded approximately 1,500 grants to local communities in all 50 states.  The DFC program was created by the Drug Free Communities Act of 1997, and was reauthorized by Congress in 2001 and 2006.

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