Project Grant NH28CE004156

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness (SACADA) $125,000 under the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program on July 1, 2026, for a five-year community-driven initiative to prevent youth substance use in Bexar County, Texas.

SACADA leads the Breathe Clear Coalition, which will reduce youth use of tobacco, marijuana, and THC-containing products, including hemp-derived products, through a phased, data-informed approach aligned with the DFC framework and seven strategies for community-level change. Partners from required community sectors—including youth, parents, schools, public health, healthcare, law enforcement, businesses, faith-based organizations, and local stakeholders—will deliver prevention messaging, strengthen youth leadership, engage parents, and promote consistent community norms. A key component involves creating youth coalitions at CAST MED Middle School and CAST MED High School, where youth leaders will receive training and contribute to developing peer-focused prevention messaging, community outreach, and coalition planning.

The award runs through June 30, 2031, with performance in Texas. The DFC Support Program establishes and strengthens collaborations among communities, nonprofit agencies, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth ages 18 and younger. Recipients must demonstrate at least six months of prior collaborative work on substance abuse reduction, meet coalition composition requirements, document substantial community volunteer effort, and provide 100–150 percent cash or in-kind match.