The Putnam County Anti-Drug Coalition, in coordination with Communities in Schools, Inc., is working to counter the negative impact that drugs have had on communities throughout Putnam County. 

     Rep. Mica held a drug summit in 2003 with Putnam County leaders in order to discuss illegal narcotics issues and also to develop an effective strategy to eradicate the problem. 

     In December 2003, Mica secured a private contribution of $15,000 for the Putnam County Anti-Drug Coalition.  This initial presentation was the kick-off of a fundraising drive to raise $100,000 in in-kind contributions and monetary donations from the local community to match federal assistance.  Mica has since secured several additional private donations for the Coalition's efforts.

     At Mica's urging, several Coalition meetings were called and a plan was outlined to apply for federal assistance through the Drug Free Communities Support Program.  Mica also brought in technical assistance and support from the Stewart-Marchman Center and Gateway Community Services, Inc., both of whom have assisted the Coalition as principal grant writers.

     On September 27, 2004, the Putnam Coalition was awarded a federal grant of $67,958 form the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) for their application to the Drug Free Communities Support Program.  These funds will provide resources for the Coalition to hire staff and implement after-school anti-drug programs.  In addition, on March 21, 2005, the Coalition received a grant renewal worth $100,000 from the federal government to continue building on the progress it has made. 

     In addition, Rep. Mica invited the Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Mary Ann Solberg to meet with the Putnam Coalition in March 2004.  This meeting highlighted the progress that the coalition has made and also reviewed its strategy to combat illegal narcotic use.  The Coalition will also be working with the Palatka Weed and Seed which also provides additional resources for fighting narcotics abuse and for community restoration. 

     The grant funds will be distributed by the US Department of Justice to assist communities in addressing the problems of juvenile drug abuse and crime.  This money will be combined with the matching in-kind donations to provide effective drug prevention and awareness programs to local students.

       Additonal information is also available on the Putnam County Anti-Drug Coalition website.