5C Coalition awarded grant to prevent youth substance abuse
The Clayton County Community Collaboration Council (5C Coalition) has received a Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grant to prevent youth substance use, including prescription drugs, marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol.
The DFC program, created by the DFC Act of 1997 is the Nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use and is directed by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
Grants are provided to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.
“Since our first grant awards were made in 1998, the DFC program has continued to expand its reach in communities across the country. It is a testament to the great work DFC coalitions are doing, together with community partner that include parent groups, schools, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, businesses, and others to prevent drug use and improve the health of communities,” said ONDCP Deputy Director James W. Carroll. “Our local DFC coalitions are a key part of this effort because they are relentless in their work to prevent youth from initiating drug use and ultimately, saving more lives.”
“Being a member of (the 5C)board has been a good experience. We have worked on providing education, enhancing skills, and providing support to Clayton County. I believe the key to this is educating the community and taking the time to listen to the communities concerns. Working together with youth and adults will build a better community,” said 5C Vice-President Julie Doeppke. The coalition is currently in its fourth of five years of receiving the DFC grant.
The 5C Coalition aims to reduce youth substance use by utilizing funds to promote drug education initiatives in Clayton County. Projects include education and awareness at community events, partner with area businesses and organizations, and support change in policies and procedures that reduce the risk of substance use exposure for Clayton County youth. They will also provide trainings and leadership opportunities to area youth and community members to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge. The coalition also has the opportunity to be a part of a national organization (CADCA) which supports grassroots work of drug prevention initiatives across the country.
Prescription drug abuse prevention is one of the core measures of effectiveness for local DFC coalitions and coalitions nationwide have led innovative opioid prevention initiatives. DFC’s 2017 National Evaluation End-of-Year report found that at least 97% of middle school and 94% of high school report that they have not misused prescription drugs in the past 30-days in DFC communities.
For more information about the 5C Coalition and their current initiatives and projects, go to their website at www.claytoncountyccc.weebly.com or email claytoncountyccc@gmail.com.
