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HC DrugFree – Howard County

HC DrugFree, a nonprofit organization in Howard County, provides drug and alcohol education and resources for the prevention of substance use disorders.

To spread awareness across the community, HC DrugFree works closely with Howard County organizations such as the Health Department, Police, Fire and Rescue Services, School System, and Library System, as well as state and national organizations such as The Korean Society of Maryland, Ocean City Police and Beach Patrol, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, Drug Enforcement Administration, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, and others.

What is now known as HC DrugFree began in 1995 within the Howard County Public School System to respond to the alarming number of teens using illegal substances such as tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Mounting concern included the increase in drug-related problems in schools and in the community such as truancy, violence, weapons, and gangs. In 2004, efforts to prevent substance misuse and abuse developed into what is now HC DrugFree, when the organization was named and awarded nonprofit status.

HC DrugFree targets the entire Howard County community from pre-birth (preparing the community for future generations) to post-death (collecting medications after a loved one’s death). They are currently working with the school system to develop curricula to address behavioral health needs. Their Teen Advisory Council meets monthly throughout the school year and serves as the youth voice within the organization. HC DrugFree programs include experts from treatment, recovery, judicial and law enforcement agencies, individuals in recovery, and families affected by substance use. Staff and volunteers educate at community functions on a regular basis. HC DrugFree serves the Howard County community, however the organization may be available to provide services throughout Maryland.

HC DrugFree is best known for their educational programs such as Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City, coordinating their convenient drive-thru medication and sharps disposal events, and highly successful public awareness campaigns like Be A Parent Not a Friend: Don’t Make Alcohol Available to Teens and In The Know about Opioids. Their resources and programs are available in English, Spanish, Korean and Arabic.

Interested in learning more? Contact:
Joan Webb Scornaienchi
Executive Director, HC DrugFree
443-325-0040
joan@hcdrugfree.org

 

 

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