Gil Kerlikowske, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, announced $7.9 million in new Drug-Free Communities Support Program grants to 60 communities. The Mercer Island Communities That Care Coalition (MICTC) was one of the grant recipients, and will receive $625,000 in DFC grant funds for five additional years of funding to involve and engage the local community to further prevent substance use among youth.

MICTC is administered by Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. It is composed of community leaders, parents, youth, school administrators, religious and fraternal organizations, health care and business professionals, law enforcement, the media and others working together at the local level.

“Efforts to keep our youth drug-free are critical to healthy and safe communities here on Mercer Island,” said Derek Franklin, MICTC project director. “The Drug-Free Communities Support Program recognizes the great work of MICTC to help save young people’s lives. This new funding will allow the coalition to continue to mobilize and organize their community to prevent youth substance use.”

MICTC will specifically work to address underage alcohol, marijuana, prescription drug and tobacco use on Mercer Island.