Grant will provide funding for Drug Free Coalition

ALBION – A federal grant will provide funding over the next five years to help prevent youth substance abuse in Orleans County.

The Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse was awarded funding from The Drug Free Communities Support Program. GCASA previously received a grant to target substance abuse for children in grades 6 through 12. But that five-year grant expired last year and the GCASA’s grant wasn’t renewed.

The agency applied again and was notified on Sept. 19 that its funding is back for another five-year cycle, said Patricia Crowley, project director for the Orleans County United Against Substance Abuse Coalition.

“With increased funding for five years through the Drug Free Communities grant, continuing communication with the community and key organizations and leaders, the Coalition is well-placed to generate meaningful and lasting change in the community in order to solve its youth substance use problem,” Crowley said.

The grant will pay for staff, prevention programs, surveys of students on their drug activities and attitudes, and support other Coalition activities. Crowley said the Coalition, which formed in 2003, has stayed together the past year and intends to be sustainable after the grant expires in five years.

The Coalition has about 100 community members. The group has targeted alcohol, drug and tobacco use by youths, but Crowley said other substances are out in community, including prescription narcotics, that could entice teens.

“It’s constantly changing,” she said. “Who knows what will be out there in 2 to 3 years.”

To learn more about Orleans County United Against Substance Abuse Coalition, contact Crowley at 585-331-8732 or email pcrowley@gcasa.org.