Drug-Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act

Drug-Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act

This bill authorizes the Drug-Free Communities Support Program, subject to certain limitations, to waive matching funds requirements applicable to certain grants for reducing substance use among youth. Before waiving these requirements, the program must determine that a grantee is unable to raise funds because of the COVID-19 emergency.

Currently, the Office of National Drug Control Policy administers this program, and community coalitions that receive the grants must match a specified percentage of the federal award amount with nonfederal funds, including in-kind contributions.

Bill 117 HR 654, also known as the Drug-Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act, was introduced in the US Congress to provide additional funding and support to community-based organizations working to prevent substance abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill aims to address the increased challenges and risks faced by individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues as a result of the pandemic.

The legislation proposes to allocate $100 million in funding to the Drug-Free Communities Support Program, which provides grants to local coalitions working to prevent substance abuse among youth. This funding would help these organizations adapt their programs and services to meet the changing needs of their communities during the pandemic.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that the funds are used effectively and efficiently, requiring grantees to report on their activities and outcomes. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination among local, state, and federal agencies to address the complex issues surrounding substance abuse and mental health. Overall, the Drug-Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act seeks to provide much-needed support to community organizations on the front lines of the substance abuse epidemic, helping them continue their vital work during these challenging times.