State Farm Insurance Companies recently awarded at $5,000 grant to the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County (IDIPIC) for the fifth consecutive year.

According to a recent news release, the funds will be used to help cover the costs associated with the organization’s prevention work with youth in schools and at impact panels.

“We can’t thank State Farm enough for its longtime support of our efforts,” said Mike Diamanti, the group’s director. Diamanti added that since the organization began its youth programs, there has been an overall decrease in substance abuse among Whidbey teens.

All Whidbey driver education students are required to attend an impact panel with their parent or guardian. Students not enrolled in driver education schools are also welcome to attend the panels.

Of the 32,000 individuals who have attended its DUI/underage drinking prevention panels throughout the years, over one-third have been driver education students and parents.

The organization was established in 2000 by community members dedicated to the mission of deterring driving under the influence and underage drinking.