SOUTH BEND, Ind.—The local Partnership for Education and Prevention of Substance Abuse (PEPSA) announced a new federal grant focused on supporting drug free communities.

"The drug-free community support grant is a clear recognition of PEPSA's track record of impact in St. Joseph County and will provide additional opportunities for the coalition to drive community level change,” said Suzanna Fritzberg, Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director to Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

The $1.25 million grant will be dispersed over the next decade to help reduce alcohol, tobacco and prescription drug abuse among local teens.