$625K Grant Will Combat Substance Abuse

The Mountain Communities Coalition Against Substance Abuse, McCASA, has won an expected $125,000 per year for five years—$625,000—to combat substance abuse here.

On Thursday, Aug. 27 the network of organizations, individuals and businesses was notified they are among the winners of a federal Drug Free Communities grant.

“The full amount is expected as long as we keep meeting our objectives,” said Anne Weber, director of the Frazier Mountain Communities Family Resource Center. El Tejon Unified School District is the fiscal sponsor.

McCASA plans to undertake broad-spectrum coalition building to change community norms and evolve public dialogue about substance abuse. The quest is to change the cultural environment around underage use of alcohol and drugs. The Mountain Enterprise will provide mentoring and media support to the coalition’s efforts.

This is part of the September 04, 2009 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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