WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nine Drug-Free Communities grants for organizations aimed at preventing youth substance use in Erie, Chautauqua, Steuben, Schuyler, and Cattaraugus counties have been awarded.

“The Drug-Free Communities grants awarded to the five counties across my district represent a vital investment in our children and the future of our communities,” said U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy. “By empowering local coalitions and fostering collaboration among various sectors, these grants enable us to tackle youth substance use head-on with locally tailored solutions. Through evidence-based strategies and community engagement, I am confident that this grant will make a meaningful and lasting impact on our youth.”

In Chautauqua County, a grant will be awarded to HOPE Chautauqua as part of the county’s Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council.

In Cattaraugus County, a grant will be awarded to Healthy Cattaraugus County in Olean.

The Drug-Free Communities Support Program funds community-based coalitions that engage multiple sectors of the community to prevent youth substance use. This program provides grants of up to $125,000 per year for five years to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. Grant recipients will be notified of amounts and other details directly from the Biden Administration.