Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, presented with DEA  Award

Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, presented with DEA Award

On December 10, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) presented HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, with a Special Act or Service Award for Dedication to Duty and Outstanding Contributions. The award was presented by Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) of the Baltimore District Office, Brian Crowe, and was signed by the Special Agent…

Teen Advisory Council Meeting

Teen Advisory Council Meeting

Join us for our next TAC meeting, to be held on Monday, December 2nd at 5:30 via Zoom. If you are not already a TAC member, please visit our TAC webpage to learn more. If you are a member, please remember to register to receive the Zoom link.

Teen Advisory Council Meeting

Teen Advisory Council Meeting

A Teen Advisory Council (TAC) meeting was held on Monday, November 11 via zoom. At that meeting, the topics discussed included the observation of Veterans’ Day, substance use, health and wellness, and the meaning of leadership. In addition the teens learned about the Great American Smokeout to be held on November 21st. The teens were…

HC DrugFree’s Site Collected 1,169 lbs. of Unwanted/Expired Medication

HC DrugFree’s Site Collected 1,169 lbs. of Unwanted/Expired Medication

HC DrugFree’s site collected 1,169 lbs. of medication (45 bins) in 4 hours on Saturday, October 26. In addition, 27 bins of sharps (needles, syringes, EpiPens, etc.) were collected. The Howard County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration guarded and transported the medications. Proper medication disposal is important to avoid misuse and harm to…

Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low, Yet Disparities Persist

Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low, Yet Disparities Persist

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), current tobacco product use among U.S. middle and high school students has dropped to the lowest recorded level in 25 years. This is according to newly released data from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). Within the past year alone, at least half a million fewer students are…

Free Classes for Parents/Guardians & Grandparents

Free Classes for Parents/Guardians & Grandparents

Our next Guiding Good Choices® class will be offered in Spring 2025. Dates will be announced soon. Raising preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn’t it be great if adults could take a class that taught us how to help our kids avoid risky behaviors, all while learning how to say NO to drugs and alcohol?…

Medication and Sharps Disposal Event

Medication and Sharps Disposal Event

Don’t know what to do with your leftover meds and sharps? Please join HC DrugFree in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot for our convenient twice-a-year drive-thru medication and sharps disposal event as a part of the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day! All collected medications are guarded and transported by the Howard County…

Howard County School Bullying Policy 9460

Howard County School Bullying Policy 9460

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal.  HCPSS Policy 9460 states that bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation are prohibited in HCPSS. The administration and staff have been trained and made aware of this policy as well…

HCPSS Parent Academy Kick-Off 2024

HCPSS Parent Academy Kick-Off 2024

HCPSS parents, guardians and family members were invited to join HCPSS Superintendent Willliam J. Barnes, school system leaders and community organizations for this valuable information night to prepare for a successful academic year. The event was held on Wednesday, September 25 at Wilde Lake High School and celebrated a huge turnout. Learn more about the…

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Expecting Parents, Caregivers, and Families

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Expecting Parents, Caregivers, and Families

 Did you know that approximately one out of every 20 school-aged children in the United States may have FASDs? Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders refer to a range of disorders caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy that entail physical, cognitive, or behavioral issues in the affected individuals. Read the full article from the Substance Abuse and Mental…