U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) has revealed a significant boost in the fight against substance abuse in Laredo Independent School District (LISD) and United Independent School District (UISD). Today, he announced the allocation of $625,000 in federal funding to WestCare through the FY23 Drug-Free Communities Support Program, facilitated by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The funds are earmarked for combatting substance abuse, covering issues like alcohol, synthetic cannabinoids, and marijuana. The strategy involves establishing and reinforcing community collaboration initiatives, with a focus on providing information to increase the perception of risk or harm, boosting the perception of peer disapproval of substance use, decreasing past 30-day use, increasing the perception of parental disapproval, and reshaping the culture and context regarding acceptability of substance use.

More than 1,400 students in LISD and UISD will benefit directly from this federal grant. Congressman Cuellar emphasized the importance of investing in programs to address substance abuse, stating, “Investing in programs that combat substance abuse is not only a moral imperative but a transformative act that uplifts our community as a whole, especially for our children.”

Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, praised WestCare for its role in implementing crucial drug prevention strategies within the community. Jaime Arizpe, CEO of DFC-FACE at WestCare, received recognition for his leadership in addressing substance abuse.

This initiative follows Dr. Cuellar's ongoing commitment to combating drug and substance abuse. In 2023, he announced federal funding totaling $4,750,000 for various programs in Webb County, including $2,000,000 for the Webb County 406th Judicial District Adult Drug Court Program, $2,000,000 for the Webb County Court at Law II DWI Court Program, and $750,000 for the Webb County Court at Law II Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program.