HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced on July 12th, $625,000 for community-based coalitions in Harrisonburg, Roanoke, Ashland, Rocky Mount, and Luray to reduce youth substance use. The funding was awarded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program.

Warner and Kaine have long championed efforts to combat the opioid crisis and support individuals with substance use disorder.

The senators said in a press release “The substance use crisis has tragic impacts for communities across Virginia, and we all need to do more to find solutions to address this epidemic. We’re proud that this federal funding will help communities come together to prevent youth substance use disorder … and make our communities safer.”

Faces 4 Change Drug Free Community Coalition in Harrisonburg and Page Alliance for Community Action in Luray will both receive $125,000 dollars with the remaining $375,000 going to the Ashland, Roanoke, and Rocky Mount coalitions in equal portions.