$125,000 in Federal Funds Awarded to Austin-based Texans Standing Tall to Reduce Substance Abuse Among Young Texans, Create Healthier and Safer Communities

"If we want our children to be able compete in the 21st century economy, we have to invest in healthy and safe communities. This is one of the only funding sources that support these important efforts. This is vital seed money that has allowed us to create a solid foundation to ensure that our efforts are sustainable," said TST Executive Director Nicole Holt.

In 2006, TST was awarded a similar grant, which they used in collaboration with partners across the state to provide Regional Forums across Texas. These unique events brought together state and local level prevention advocates to the table for creating community change. Participants were equipped with the tools, information, and resources to help prevent substance abuse. This year's Summit was made possible through support from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools grants for coalitions to prevent and reduce alcohol abuse at institutions of higher education, the Federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention STOP Act grant, the REAL Alcohol Coalition of the University of Texas San Antonio, and YouthLaunch. The Summit was also made possible through support from additional community collaborators.

TST is a statewide coalition of partner organizations working to support and create healthier and safer communities for young Texans. According to TST, "Our vision is to make alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs irrelevant in the lives of youth. We consist of community coalitions, individual adults and youth, state agencies and other organizations. We work to energize and mobilize citizens to advocate for community change, serve as a current and reliable information source and advocate to change attitudes, behaviors, and regulations to create healthier communities and protect our youth. We provide community coalitions with training and support to assist them in advancing positive change on the community level."