“The Voice of Prevention”
Mission: HC DrugFree provides resources and education on prevention, treatment, recovery, and health and wellness to help Howard County residents develop knowledge and skills to understand and address behavioral health (substance use and mental health) disorders.
Vision: Our vision is for the people of Howard County to live healthy and productive lives without misusing legal medication, using illegal drugs, or misusing alcohol.
To Advance our Mission: We believe Howard County is a special place to live and to raise a family. To keep it special and to combat the rising dangers of substances and other behavioral health disorders, HC DrugFree provides resources and education on prevention, treatment, recovery and wellness to assist Howard County residents. By partnering and providing outreach with local schools, community organizations, government entities and businesses, we offer up-to-date information and resources on the misuse, abuse and dependence of illegal substances and medications through our website and social media, speakers, educators and professionals. HC DrugFree not only provides education, awareness and prevention to individuals and families, but we are on the forefront in organizing Drug Take-Back events, conducting informational programs for students and families, providing secure receptacles for medications, and other innovative methods to help our county’s citizens have the tools to live a healthy life.
History: In 1995, staff at Oakland Mills High School (OMHS) in Columbia, MD organized to respond to the alarming number of teens using illegal substances such as tobacco, alcohol and other drugs as well as truancy, violence, weapons, and gangs. As this initiative expanded from OMHS to additional schools across Howard County, it became known as the Eastern Coalition Against Substance Abuse. As the coalition grew and became more demanding of school staff time and resources, HC DrugFree, a nonprofit was formed. In March of 2004, HC DrugFree, Inc. was incorporated and in October 2004, was awarded 501(c)(3) nonprofit status by the IRS. HC DrugFree continues to work closely with the Howard County Public School System, the PTA Council of Howard County, the Parent Teacher Student Associations, and other community, state and national partners.
We Need Your Support
HC DrugFree depends on your generosity to ensure that the programs and support we provide to the Howard County community will continue for many years. Your donation will help raise awareness of youth alcohol and drug use and abuse, and promote positive youth development in the community. Learn more about becoming a friend or sponsor of HC DrugFree.
Medical Advice Disclaimer
HC DrugFree and their partners do not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on our website and in our newsletter is for informational purposes only. No material provided by HC DrugFree is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read online.
HC DrugFree’s Discrimination Policy
Since 2004, HC DrugFree has served the public as a nonprofit organization. HC DrugFree values all members of our community and strives for inclusion and safety regardless of age, race, color, religion, disability, medical condition, ethnicity, country of origin, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, personal appearance, occupation, marital status, political opinion, veteran or military status, pregnancy, socioeconomic standing, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, county or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Nondiscrimination has been the policy of HC DrugFree since its founding. Revised July 2023.
HC DrugFree Awarded Contracts to Provide Substance Abuse/Misuse Prevention Services
In December 2011, HC DrugFree was awarded a 10-year contract to provide substance abuse/misuse prevention services on behalf of the Howard County Health Department’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. Under that contract, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, Executive Director of HC DrugFree served as Howard County’s Prevention Coordinator and Maryland Strategic Prevention Framework (MSPF) Coordinator. The contract expired in December 2021, and at that time, HC DrugFree was awarded two new multi-year contracts with the Howard County Health Department’s Bureau of Behavioral Health to continue providing behavioral health prevention services.
Click here to read the entire Business Monthly article about the 2011 contract.
