Anti-Drug Efforts

Anti Drug Coalition Conference

Anti-Drug Efforts

I am actively involved both at home and in D.C. with the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. I believe our approach to drug use must be consistent and it must focus on engaging entire communities in combating substance abuse.

I am the co-author of the federal program, The Drug Free Communities (DCF) Support Program, which is designed to reduce substance abuse among young people by supporting community anti-drug coalitions made up of youth, parents, local law enforcement, school officials, faith-based organizations, government agencies, health professionals and other community members.

With over 700 Drug Free Community anti-drug coalitions across the country, the program has achieved impressive outcomes in reducing marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco use levels to lower than the national average.  An independent study conducted by ICF International found that in DFC-funded communities there are nearly 115,000 fewer youth smoking marijuana; 181,000 fewer youth using alcohol; and 200,000 fewer youth smoking cigarettes.

Since the DFC program's inception, however, the available funding has been insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand.  Historically, only one-third of the community coalitions that have applied have been able to receive grants.  For the Fiscal Year 2011 cycle, only about 75 grants, or 17%, of the 450 applications that were received will be funded.  During the 112th Congress, I am leading the effort to maintain critical funding for the program.  Given that youth drug use has increased nationally by 9% in one year from 2009 to 2010, it is absolutely essential that the DFC program remains funded to ensure the maximum number of communities are equipped to effectively reduce youth drug use.


(Updated June 10, 2011)

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