DENHAM SPRINGS, LA — As schools and communities nationwide celebrate Red Ribbon Week and promote drug-free living, Livingston Parish SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is announcing a major investment for youth: a $625,000 federal grant through the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program.
The highly competitive Drug-Free Communities Support Program is administered by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Established through the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, the program supports community coalitions working to prevent youth substance use through collaboration, education, and evidence-based strategies.
For LP SADD, the award represents more than funding. It invests in the families, schools, and community partnerships that help young people make healthy decisions and build brighter futures.
“Red Ribbon Week reminds us that creating a drug-free future takes more than a week of awareness. It takes a community committed to supporting young people every day,” said Dylan Ivy, Executive Director of LP SADD. “We are incredibly grateful for this administration’s investment and excited about what it means for Livingston Parish. By bringing families, schools, youth, businesses, law enforcement, and other community partners together, we can strengthen prevention efforts and create lasting change.”
LP SADD has been awarded $125,000 annually through 2031, representing a five-year investment totaling $625,000. After completing the initial funding period and subject to federal approval, the coalition may compete for an additional five years of funding, potentially bringing the total investment to $1.25 million over 10 years.
The funding will support community-driven, evidence-based strategies to prevent youth substance use, including the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. These efforts will reduce risk factors, strengthen protective factors, increase community collaboration, and equip young people with the knowledge and support they need to make healthy choices.
“This grant allows us to build on the work already happening across our parish and strengthen our commitment to keeping our youth safe, healthy, and substance-free.”
