Tester helps secure an additional $125,000 to reduce youth substance abuse in Anaconda

(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today helped secure an additional $125,000 to reduce youth drug and alcohol abuse in Anaconda and other Montana communities.

The $125,000 grant has been awarded to the Anaconda Community Intervention, Inc. to help organize efforts to reduce drug and alcohol use among Anaconda youth. The grant is part of the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program and will be administered by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

“As a father and grandfather I understand the importance of protecting Montana children and ensuring they have every shot at success,” Tester said. “This grant will allow folks on the ground to prevent the spread of drug use and allow Anaconda to remain a great place to raise a family.”

This DFC grant is part of $750,000 awarded to communities across Montana this year to prevent youth substance abuse. Anaconda Community Intervention, Inc. has previously received DFC grants to reduce youth substance abuse.

“This grant will be used in our schools and community to supplement the great work that is already being done to prevent youth substance abuse in Anaconda. We want to thank Senator Tester for standing with Anaconda to help reduce drug and alcohol use,” said Stan Blaz, a retired educator and Chairman of Anaconda Community Interventions, Inc.

According to the ONDCP, communities that receive DFC grants are more effective at reducing youth drug and alcohol abuse when compared to communities who have yet to receive a DFC grant.

The DFC initiative was created in 1997 and is the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance abuse. DFC grants are awarded to community coalitions to strengthen and sustain efforts to reduce local youth substance abuse.

BUTTE CARES, INC. was also awarded a $125,000 DFC grant.