CARLSBAD COMMUNITY COALITION WINS FEDERAL GRANT TO FUND FIGHT AGAINST
DRUGS, GANGS

CARLSBAD A $100,000 federal grant has been awarded to a local
coalition that is committed to fighting drugs and gangs in Carlsbad.

The Carlsbad Community Anti-drug/gang Coalition Inc. recently heard
the news that it's grant application to the Substance Abuse & Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) a division of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services has been approved for the
third consecutive year. Jay Melnick, who serves as program director
for the coalition, said this year's grant is the third installment in
a five-year federal grant program. He said SAMHSA has outlined
specifically how the grant funding can be spent, and has set goals
for the coalition to reach. Anti-drug and gang training and education
for individuals, law enforcement officers, and students are among the
specific activities funded by the grant. Other local programs and
activities include the annual Prayer Walk held in connection with Red
Ribbon Week, the Peer Helpers group at Carlsbad High School, and
National Night Out a program that encourages neighbors to get
together and meet each other, Melnick said. The coalition is
currently working to set up a resource center in the Carlsbad Public
Library that will provide information and resources that focus on
drug and gang prevention. Melnick said the grant provides the
necessary funds for promoting an awareness of drug problems in the
community, and informing the citizens about ways they can be involved
in preventing drugs and gangs. The coalition trains law enforcement
officers and individuals to identify methamphetamine labs, he said.
It also provides avenues for anonymously reporting suspected drug
crimes to the authorities. Local hotlines include Eddy County
Crimestoppers at 887-1888, and the Student Hotline and Caveman
Crimestoppers for students at 887-SAFE. The coalition was organized
three years ago with a mission "to build and strengthen the capacity
of our Carlsbad community to create a safe, healthy, and drug and
gang/crime free environment." Members of the coalition's community
board include representatives of the business and church communities,
public schools, law enforcement, the district attorney's office,
health services, local youth, parents, and government officials. The
community board meets at 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month
in the planning room at City Hall. The next meeting will be held on
Sept. 6. The public is always welcome, Melnick said. Melnick and Eve
Flanigan, the coalition's evaluator and strategic planner, recently
returned from a mid-year training session held by the Community
Anti-Drug Coalitions of America in Henderson, Nev. Melnick said the
weeklong training gave them the opportunity to meet with federal
government anti-drug officials and other groups that are working for
drug-free communities.