The Massapequa Takes Action Coalition announced Thursday that they are receiving a $625,000 grant from the federal government to help educate young people about the dangers of opioids and addiction.

MTAC is the only coalition in Nassau County to receive the federal funding, which is to be spread out over five years.

Politicians and people affected by opioid addiction told News 12 that the money will make a difference.

“I can recall just several years ago when people didn't want to acknowledge that there was any drug issue in their schools. They didn't want to acknowledge there was a drug issue in the community,” said Rep. Peter King. “Now that is being acknowledged and it's being addressed.”

Some of the programs MTAC plans to use the grant money for include building a social marketing campaign.

According to its website, MTAC seeks to prevent and reduce risky behaviors among youth thereby diminishing the danger of drug use, heroin overdose and other high-risk activities.