Federal lawmakers have awarded a five-year, $125,000 grant to the group SAFE in Sag Harbor to help combat substance abuse among young people, Representative Lee Zeldin announced Tuesday.
The acronym SAFE stands for "substance-abuse-free environment," which is exactly what the organization, once known as the Sag Harbor Coalition, promotes in local communities by creating and encouraging "fun and engaging alternatives to alcohol and drug abuse."
"We know the impact Covid-19 is having on mental health and alcohol and other drug use, and anticipate the need for prevention strategies to increase," Kym Laube, executive director of SAFE in Sag Harbor, said in a statement. "This funding will help us continue our efforts and implement evidence based practices for positive community change."
The money comes from a $102 million federal appropriation for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's Drug-Free Communities Program.
"Nearly every Long Islander knows someone who has struggled with substance abuse. It's decimated too many families and affected those from nearly every walk of life," Representative Lee Zeldin said in his announcement. "Local organizations, like SAFE in Sag Harbor, are making the difference on the ground . . . and this funding will ensure they have the resources to continue carrying out this critical mission."