BIRMINGHAM – Congressman Spencer Bachus announced that the Hoover Coalition Promoting a Safe and Healthy Community will receive a $100,000 grant for Fiscal Year 2007 to help reduce teen drug use.
The Hoover Coalition, which is under the administration of the Hoover City Schools, develops partnerships and strategies to reduce youth substance abuse. Under the terms of the grant, additional funds will be disbursed over a five year period by the Office of National Drug Control Policy under the Drug Free Communities Support Program authorized by Congress.
"Keeping our young people drug-free is crucial for the well-being of the entire community," said Congressman Bachus. "The Hoover Coalition and the Hoover School System should be commended for their proactive efforts in steering youngsters away from the dangers of substance abuse."
The Coalition intends to use the funds for a number of projects, including hosting a peer ministry conference that will encourage the involvement of the religious community in anti-drug efforts; continuing the Drug Free Athletes pledge and patch program that recognizes local athletes who avoid drug and alcohol use; and advocating the City of Hoover to enact a Host Responsibility Ordinance that would establish fines for adults who permit under-aged alcohol use on their premises.
"The success of the Hoover Coalition shows that when all segments of a community come together with a shared purpose, good things happen," said Hoover Coalition Coordinator Carissa Anthony. "The success of these efforts in reducing youth drug use is proof of the strong commitment of our community. I would particularly like to recognize the outstanding leadership of Hoover Schools Superintendent Andy Craig and Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos."
This is the second five year award that the Hoover Coalition has received. A recent survey found significant declines in alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use by students.
The Drug Free Communities Support Program is a coalition of more than 700 community organizations across the country dedicated to reducing youth drug use. Federal grants under the program are awarded on a competitive basis. Grantee organizations must provide a six-month history of working together on substance abuse prevention initiatives, establish a long-term plan for future substance abuse reduction, and participate in evaluation of the Drug Free Communities Program.