A major boost is coming to youth drug prevention efforts in Cleburne County after a local health coalition was selected to receive $125,000 in federal funding to help prevent substance use among young people.
The Cleburne County Health Coalition, Inc., based in Heber Springs, has been selected as a recipient of a $125,000 federal grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program.
The federal program, managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is designed to help local communities develop effective strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use.
Coalition officials say the funding will allow the organization to strengthen its prevention efforts and expand partnerships throughout the community.
$125,000 Federal Grant Will Support Youth Prevention
The Drug-Free Communities Support Program provides federal funding to community coalitions working to address substance use among young people.
The program focuses on helping communities identify local problems, develop prevention strategies and create conditions that discourage drug use before it begins.
Unlike programs that focus primarily on treatment after substance use develops, the Drug-Free Communities initiative emphasizes prevention and community involvement.
The Cleburne County Health Coalition says the funding will help continue its mission of building a safer, healthier and drug-free community.
The organization also plans to use the grant to strengthen cooperation among community partners and expand its collective prevention efforts.
White House Drug Control Program Supports Local Efforts
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy describes the Drug-Free Communities program as a major national effort to mobilize communities in preventing and reducing substance use among young people.
The program provides resources that allow local coalitions to address the challenges facing their own communities.
Helen Hernandez, Drug-Free Communities and Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Senior Policy Analyst, emphasized the importance of investing in prevention.
“Primary prevention is one of the most effective investments we can make to protect America’s youth and strengthen our communities,” Hernandez said.
She explained that supporting evidence-based prevention strategies allows communities to address their own unique needs.
According to Hernandez, the objective is to help make drug-free living the social norm while building healthier and safer communities for future generations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emphasizes Local Solutions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also stressed the importance of community-based prevention programs.
Grant Baldwin, Director of the Division of Overdose Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the federal program allows communities to develop solutions tailored to their particular needs.
“Through the DFC program, CDC is empowering community coalitions to implement local solutions to unique, local conditions, with the common goal of preventing youth substance use,” Baldwin said.
The approach recognizes that communities may face different challenges involving youth substance use and that prevention efforts can be more effective when developed with local participation.
Cleburne County Health Coalition Thanks Federal Partners
Judy Crowder, Authorized Organization Representative for the Cleburne County Health Coalition, expressed appreciation for the federal grant and the opportunity to strengthen local prevention efforts.
“We are proud to share this mission and effort to prevent youth substance use and protect the well-being of our community,” Crowder said.
She explained that the funding will also allow the coalition to improve collaboration with its partners.
“By focusing our collective expertise and resources on this critical issue, we will ensure a positive impact on our youth and community,” Crowder said.
Coalition leaders believe bringing together community organizations, families and other local partners will strengthen efforts to protect young people from substance use.
Community Members Encouraged to Get Involved
The Cleburne County Health Coalition is also inviting additional community members to participate in its ongoing work.
According to information provided with the grant announcement, the coalition is seeking members representing 12 sectors of the community.
Organizers say community participation is important because preventing youth substance use requires cooperation from people throughout the county.
The coalition holds regular monthly meetings in Heber Springs, and interested residents are encouraged to attend.
When and Where the Coalition Meets
The Cleburne County Health Coalition meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month.
Day: 2nd Thursday of every month
Time: 12:00 Noon
Location: Old Municipal Building, next to Harps, Heber Springs, Arkansas
Who Can Attend: Community members interested in supporting youth substance use prevention efforts
The coalition is encouraging additional members from 12 community sectors to become involved.
The meetings provide an opportunity for residents and community partners to participate in local prevention efforts.
A Major Investment in Cleburne County’s Future
The $125,000 federal grant represents an opportunity for the Cleburne County Health Coalition to strengthen its work addressing youth substance use.
By supporting prevention programs and encouraging community involvement, the organization hopes to reduce substance use among young people and promote healthier choices.
Coalition officials say the grant will help bring together the expertise and resources needed to make a positive difference throughout Cleburne County.
The coalition is encouraging residents to become involved and help support the effort to build a healthier, safer and drug-free community for future generations.
Contact Information
For additional information about the Cleburne County Health Coalition or its programs, contact:
Judy Crowder
Authorized Organization Representative
Phone: 501-250-4284
Email: Hebersoftballmom@yahoo.com
Ottelia Basart
Project Director/Project Coordinator
Phone: 501-613-2414
Email: fottelia@gmail.com
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