Project Grant NH28CE004092

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded More Than Fitness Inc. one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars on July 1, 2026, under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program (CFDA 93.276) to prevent youth substance use in Northern New Castle County, Delaware through the Stronger Together Community Coalition.

The Coalition, serving zip codes 19809 and 19703 with More Than Fitness as fiscal agent, will strengthen collaboration among representatives from all 12 required sectors by holding at least ten coalition meetings with 75 percent attendance and recruiting at least three new community partners focused on youth prevention by July 2027. The initiative targets approximately 2,444 adolescents ages 12 to 18 in the Brandywine School District, where state survey data show 17 percent of 11th-graders report recent use of both alcohol and marijuana and only half perceive marijuana as harmful. Early initiation is also a concern, with 15 percent of fifth-graders reporting lifetime alcohol use and 2 percent reporting marijuana use.

Funded activities include creating and distributing digital and print prevention materials to students, families, and school staff; training four youth as peer leaders; and delivering free, evidence-based after-school programming for ages 12 to 18 focused on prevention, resilience, mindfulness, and refusal skills. The Coalition will provide transportation from two schools during the academic year. Performance extends through June 30, 2031, with place of performance in Delaware.