A new initiative to fight drug and alcohol use among youth was launched Thursday at Selma High School.

A pep rally was held in the school’s gymnasium to kick start the Drug Free Communities of Dallas County program.

The funding for the five-year program comes from a $625,000 grant given to the Dallas County Children’s Policy Council from the office of the President.

The program is behind lead by Jerria Martin and has a mission to reducing and preventing substance abuse primarily with young people through awareness and action.

The pep rally included performances by the Selma High School marching band, choir and cheerleaders.

District Judge Bob Armstrong, Mike Granthum with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Selma City Schools Superintendent Angela Mangum and Dallas County Schools Superintendent Hattie Shelton all spoke to the students.

Martin said the program’s next steps would include a meeting in January with educators, parents, law enforcement, healthcare professionals and businesses.

“It’s about bringing the entire community together. The local problems require local solutions,” Martin. “That’s really what the federal grant is really founded on.”

Martin said surveys among local students show young people don’t take seriously the risks of alcohol and marijuana use.

“We are taking a unique, creative and innovative approach to kicking drugs out of our communities for good — one child at a time,” Martin said.

For more information about the program, visit dccpc.net.