Fitzpatrick Applauds Local Drug Abuse Prevention Group

U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8th) today applauded the announcement by Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), that Building A Better Bensalem Together will receive $125,000 in Drug Free Communities program grant funds to involve and engage the local community to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth.

“Efforts to keep our youth drug free are critical to healthy and safe communities here in the district”, said Fitzpatrick, in a release. “The Drug Free Communities program recognizes the great track record of Building A Better Bensalem Together in their efforts to help save lives.  This new funding will allow Building A Better Bensalem Together to mobilize and organize the community to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse.”

“I commend coalitions like Building A Better Bensalem Together who work tirelessly to prevent and reduce youth drug use across the Nation,” said Kerlikowske.

Building A Better Bensalem Together was one of 87 new grantees selected from hundreds of applicants through a competitive, peer-reviewed process. To qualify for matching grants, all awardees must have at least a six-month history of working together on substance abuse reduction initiatives, have representation from 12 specific sectors of the community, develop a long-term plan to reduce substance abuse, and participate in the national evaluation of the DFC program.