Project Grant NH28CE004189

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.