Hamilton County coalition awarded Federal Drug-Free Communities grant

Hailey Waldo

Riverbend News

Hamilton County has received a significant investment to fight youth substance misuse after the Hamilton County Alcohol & Other Drug Prevention Coalition, also known as SayNoHamCo, was awarded the highly competitive Federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program Grant.

The federal grant will provide resources to expand prevention efforts throughout Hamilton County, enabling the coalition to strengthen existing programs and create new opportunities to keep young people drug-free and build healthier communities.

According to coalition leaders, the funding will expand youth drug prevention programs, increase public education and awareness about the dangers of substance misuse, strengthen partnerships among schools, law enforcement, healthcare providers, churches, businesses and community organizations, and provide more positive opportunities for local youth. The grant will also support evidence-based prevention strategies designed to create lasting improvements in community health and safety.

Brandon Bowden, executive director of the coalition, described the award as more than financial support, calling it an investment in the future of Hamilton County's children, families and neighborhoods.

The Drug-Free Communities Support Program is a federal initiative that helps local coalitions develop and implement comprehensive strategies to reduce youth substance use by bringing together leaders from multiple community sectors. Funding supports long-term prevention efforts built on collaboration, education and community engagement.

Bowden credited the achievement to the collective efforts of its coalition members, volunteers, parents, educators, elected officials, school district personnel, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, churches, businesses and community organizations who have supported the coalition's mission.

He also noted that prevention succeeds when an entire community works together. Bowden stated that the grant will strengthen partnerships already established throughout Hamilton County while creating additional opportunities to reach young people before substance use becomes a problem.

The funding, he added, marks the beginning of an expanded effort to educate, empower and inspire residents through prevention initiatives that promote healthy choices and positive youth development.

In addition to recognition of its work, SayNoHamCo recently received the Shining Star Award from CareerSource North Florida. The award honors organizations that demonstrate outstanding collaboration and community impact.

Bowden said the recognition reflects the strength of partnerships that have advanced prevention efforts across Hamilton County. He thanked CareerSource North Florida for its continued support and said the award belongs to the board members, staff, volunteers, law enforcement officers, schools, churches, community organizations, parents and youth who contribute to the coalition's mission.

With both the federal grant and the Shining Star Award, Bowden stated he is encouraged by the momentum behind the coalition’s work and remains committed to educating the community, strengthening partnerships and creating a safer, healthier future for generations to come.