Scarsdale Action for Youth Awarded Federal Grant for Youth Substance Use Prevention

Scarsdale Action for Youth (SAY), with its lead agency, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service, has been awarded a second five-year, $625,000 federal grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) through the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. The grant, which provides $125,000 annually for five years, is managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The continuation of federal funding will enable SAY and its community partners to build on their ongoing efforts to prevent youth substance use and help Scarsdale teens navigate adolescence free from substance use.

SAY’s goal is to prevent youth alcohol and substance use before it begins by supporting evidence-based prevention strategies that address the community’s unique needs and the factors that contribute to youth substance use. These strategies include reducing peer and parental approval of teen substance use and increasing teens’ perception of the potential harms associated with substance use.

Data from a student survey administered to Scarsdale students in grades 8 through 12 in March 2026 indicate that substance use rates among Scarsdale teens are trending downward. This is encouraging evidence of the impact of sustained, community-based prevention efforts.

A comprehensive presentation of the 2026 student survey results will be presented to the community at the joint PTC Middle School/High School meeting on November 9th.

“Underage drinking and substance use are not harmless rites of passage, and we hope to make drug-free living among teens the norm rather than the exception,” said Melissa Diodati, SAY Project Coordinator. “The reality is that not all teens use substances, but the perception that they do can influence younger students.” “It is also important for Scarsdale parents to know that they are not alone in saying no to hosting parties or allowing teens to drink in their homes. Doing so is not good for teens, and it is against the law.”

“We are very proud of the work we are doing and the accomplishments we have made,” said Melissa Mazer, SAY Board Chair. “Our steering committee has been busy throughout the summer planning prevention activities and initiatives for the coming year. We are grateful for this grant and for the support and partnership of ONDCP and the CDC.”

For more information about Scarsdale Action for Youth or to learn how to become involved, visit www.sayscarsdale.org or contact Melissa Diodati at [email protected].