Drug Free Community Program
The Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program was created with the goal of empowering and strengthening local communities to be able to identify and address the unique factors tied to substance use in each community.
Communities that are awarded with the DFC grant receive $125,000 every year for 5 years, with the option to apply for an additional 5 years of funding. These funds are used to help with substance use prevention efforts.
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DFC Program Goals
1
Establish and Strengthen Collaboration
Bring together communities, nonprofits, government agencies, and other entities to help coalitions prevent and reduce substance use among youth.
2
Reduce Substance Use Among Youth
Lower youth substance use - and eventually adult use - by reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors in the community.
Sector Representatives
The heart of the DFC programs are coalitions, and within this, the DFC program requires that the coalition have 12 sector representatives. These individuals, or sector reps., are individuals who represent different aspects of the community and are committed to substance use prevention and the well-being of the community.
These individuals represent the following sectors:
- Youth
​- Parents
- Business
- Media
- Schools
- Youth Serving Organizations
- Law Enforcement
- Civic/Volunteer Organizations
- Religious/Fraternal Organizations
- Healthcare Professionals
- State/Local/Tribal Government
- Substance Misuse Organizations
DFC Program Activities
So what exactly happens in a DFC program?
What makes the DFC program so special is that it acknowledges and celebrates that every community is unique and different, with their own challenges and strengths. This means that the activities, goals, and outcomes are specific to the community the program is in. ​
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Below are some of the broad goals our DFC program hopes to accomplish and some examples of activities we are doing to reach these goals.
Gain Understanding & Meaning
To understand local conditions, root causes, and beliefs that cause substance use and influence other health behaviors and well-being.
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Activities: Surveys, key informant interviews, focus groups, coalition meetings, work groups, and more.
Change Norms and Beliefs Surrounding Substance Use
To shift community norms and beliefs that drive substance use among youth and adults.
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Activities: Social norms campaigns, education, quarterly newsletters, presentations, and more.
Reduce Barriers and Enhance Access
To identify barriers to healthy choices and care, and enhance access to substance-free activities, positive-decision making, and overall well-being.
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Activities: Programming, policy change, environmental change, and more.