Biddeford and Sanford are among the locations of nine community coalitions across southern and midcoast Maine that will collectively receive a total of $1.1 million in grant funding through the federal Drug- Free Communities Support Program.

U.S. Rep Chellie Pingree made the announcement earlier this week in a prepared statement.

“The heartbreaking rise in heroin overdoses and deaths in Maine and across the country makes these kind of prevention funds even more important. We should be doing everything we can to keep kids from going down the path of drug abuse before things get out of control,” said Pingree in the statement. “I’m very proud of how Maine communities are working together to prevent substance abuse by young Mainers, and am glad that so many will receive federal funding to support those efforts.”

Project Alliance in Biddeford, which serves Arundel, Biddeford, Buxton, Dayton, Hollis, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach and Saco, will receive $125,000.

The Sanford Strong Coalition, serving Sanford and Springvale, will receive $125,000.

Funds are awarded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Recipients will use the funds for a range of efforts, including educating parents, increasing enforcement of underage drinking laws, increasing public awareness of the risks of substance abuse, and enlisting educators in youth substance abuse prevention.