The Office of National Drug Control Policy recently announced $19.8 million in new Drug-Free Communities Support Program grants, including a $125,000 award to the Foothills Healthy Community Coalition, a part of Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation.

The money will be used for programs to help prevent substance use among youth.

Coalition volunteers of ERHF will match grant dollars with in-kind resources.

“We are not powerless against the challenge of drug use among young people here in Enumclaw,” said Rene’ Popke, executive director of the Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation. “Research shows that prevention is the most effective tool we have to reduce the terrible consequences associated with drug use among young people. This new funding will allow Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundations to help place more young people on the path toward success and enable them to live healthier and safer lives.”

Foothills Healthy Community Coalition members will take steps in the following areas: Continue to conduct community outreach; use training events which will advance the knowledge of coalition members to increase their ability to effectively address alcohol, marijuana and prescription drug abuse in the community; identify key stakeholders needed to increase community collaboration; work with local law enforcement agencies to effectively reinforce consequences when youth (under 21) are caught consuming alcohol; and to reduce access and increase barriers to youth using prescription medication that is not prescribed to them and youth using marijuana.