Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that the Webb County Community Coalition has been awarded a $100,000 grant to combat substance drug abuse. The grant is part of the Drug Free Communities Support Program and was awarded by the White House Office of National Drug Council Policy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The Webb County Community Coalition will receive the first year allotment of $100,000, with the total amount of the grant potentially reaching $500,000 over the next five years.

“As a member of Congress, ensuring that our children grow up in a healthy environment is an issue I take very seriously. Efforts to keep our communities drug-free are critical to a healthy environment here in Webb County and in the City of Laredo,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I commend the Webb County Community Coalition for working hard to secure this competitive grant.”

The coalition was one of only of 90 grantees selected from 321 applicants across the nation.

The Webb County Community Coalition is a program under the auspices of Serving Children and Adolescents in Need (SCAN), Inc., and works closely with other local organizations in curtailing the use of illicit drugs among youth and adults in Webb County. Its objectives are to: 1) increase community commitment to reduce substance abuse; 2) support and enhance the local drug prevention, intervention, and treatment infrastructure; 3) increase public awareness of local substance abuse issues and services; 4) promote the healthy development of youth and families; and 5) facilitate the referral process for youth requiring substance abuse services.

“SCAN thanks Congressman Henry Cuellar for his assistance in securing this grant that will help us address substance prevention for children, youth and families,” said Isela Dabdoub, Chief Executive Officer at SCAN.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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