Curry county together: mobilizing community partners to prevent youth substance use and shift perceptions through education, engagement, and local data - coalition name: curry county together fiscal…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded Eastern Plains Council of Governments $125,000 on July 1, 2026, under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program (CFDA 93.276) to support Curry County Together, a community coalition mobilizing stakeholders to prevent and reduce youth substance use across Curry County, New Mexico.

Curry County Together will implement evidence-based prevention strategies targeting marijuana and tobacco use among youth ages 5–18. Key activities include disseminating educational materials and hosting community forums to raise awareness of substance use risks; conducting training sessions for parents, educators, and youth in prevention and early intervention; establishing peer support groups and mentoring programs; collaborating with local agencies to improve access to prevention resources; advocating for consistent enforcement of substance use policies in schools and the community; and executing a 12-month action plan encompassing the seven strategies for community-level change.

The coalition comprises representatives from all 12 required sectors, including schools, healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations, building on over two years of collaborative substance abuse reduction efforts. Eastern Plains Council of Governments serves as fiscal agent for the award.

The period of performance runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031. The $125,000 obligation covers the first year of a potential five-year funding cycle; the program structure allows continuation awards subject to satisfactory progress and federal interest determination.

Curry county together: mobilizing community partners to prevent youth substance use and shift perceptions through education, engagement, and local data - coalition name: curry county together fiscal agent: eastern plains council of governments location: curry county, new mexico funding request: $125,000 annually for 5 years focus substances: marijuana, tobacco target population: youth aged 5-18 in curry county, new mexico curry county together is a community coalition dedicated to preventing and reducing youth substance use in curry county, new mexico. Building upon over two years of collaborative efforts among local stakeholders-including schools, healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations-the coalition is ready to increase its impact with engaged representatives from all 12 required sectors. The coalition aims to implement evidence-based strategies to decrease the prevalence of substance use among youth, with a focus on prevention of marijuana and tobacco use. Objectives include enhancing community awareness, increasing youth engagement in prevention activities, and strengthening local policies that reduce youth access to substances. Curry county together will execute a 12-month action plan encompassing the seven strategies for community-level change. Key activities: providing information: disseminating educational materials and hosting community forums to raise awareness about the risks associated with youth substance use. Enhancing skills: conducting training sessions for parents, educators, and youth to build skills in prevention and early intervention. Providing support: establishing peer support groups and mentoring programs to reinforce positive behaviors. Enhancing access/reducing barriers: collaborating with local agencies to improve access to prevention resources and services. Changing consequences: advocating for consistent enforcement of substance use policies within schools and the broader community. Physical design: implementing environmental strategies, such as safe community spaces for youth. Modifying/changing policies: working with policymakers to develop and enforce regulations that limit youth access to substances. Expected outcomes: over the five-year grant period, curry county together anticipates measurable reductions in youth substance use rates, increased perception of risk associated with substance use, and strengthened community collaboration in prevention efforts. The coalition will regularly assess progress through data collection and analysis, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure effectiveness.