HC DrugFree
Warnings of Medetomidine in Street Drug Supply: NPR

Warnings of Medetomidine in Street Drug Supply: NPR

Medetomidine, a potent veterinary sedative, has recently been detected as an adulterant in illicit street drugs, particularly in combination with opioids like fentanyl. This trend has been observed in various U.S. cities, including Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City. The addition of medetomidine to street drugs poses serious risks, as its sedative effects are not…

Why You Should Sign Up for our Life Skills Classes

Why You Should Sign Up for our Life Skills Classes

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County college student. Hey there! 🌟 Are you ready to take on 2025 with confidence, better relationships, and the tools to handle life’s challenges like a pro? Starting Monday, February 24th, the spring Life Skills Classes are here to help you do just that! This isn’t your typical “boring” class.…

Free Life Skills Classes

Free Life Skills Classes

More information about future Life Skills and other classes and events will be shared in our newsletter. Quick Links: Spring 2025 registration is OPEN! Are you in Middle School? Register here! Are you in High School or College? Register here! Life Skills Training for Grades 6-9(We will consider slightly younger students, especially if they are the…

Free Classes for Parents/Guardians & Grandparents

Free Classes for Parents/Guardians & Grandparents

Register to attend our Spring 2025 Guiding Good Choices® classes for parents, guardians and grandparents. Series will run (Tuesdays and Fridays): March 18, 21, 25, 28 and April 1 from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Raising preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn’t it be great if adults could take a class that taught us…

Parenting a Child with ADHD

Parenting a Child with ADHD

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County parent. Parenting is hard. Parenting a child with ADHD presents its own unique challenges; an estimated 10% of children suffer from the condition, while prescriptions for ADHD medication skyrocketed during the pandemic. Symptoms of ADHD can include fidgeting, excessive talking, impulsivity, becoming easily distracted or having difficulty following directions…

Substance Use Disorder Month

Substance Use Disorder Month

This January will be observed as the “first ever” Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. The goal of this observation is to raise awareness of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment strategies, including addressing barriers and stigma that prevent individuals from getting help. One major point of focus is reducing the stigma about medications used to treat…

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…