The Zebra Coalition has received a $625,000 federal grant, the largest in its history, for programs to help prevent substance abuse among young people.
The money will come from the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy over a five-year period and all but guarantees the stability of the organization.
“This new funding will allow the Zebra Coalition to help place more young people on the path toward success and enable them to live healthier and safer lives,” said Dexter Foxworth, director of the Zebra Coalition, in a media release.
The money for Zebra, awarded to the Center for Drug-Free Living as fiscal agent, is part of $19.8 million in new Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program money awarded to 147 communities across the country. The awards are in addition to the $59.4 million in continuation grants simultaneously released to 477 currently funded coalitions.
“The key to preventing substance abuse is harnessing the talents, resources, and interests of all segments of our local communities,” said Pamela S. Hyde, Administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA).
The Zebra Coalition will specifically work to address perceptions of the harm of alcohol, prescription drugs and marijuana use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBT+) and reduce community norms favoring drug use. This will be accomplished through a strategic education and public awareness plan.
