36 Million Lethal Doses of Fentanyl Removed from Communities between May and September WASHINGTON – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration today announced the results of an enforcement operation that spanned from May to September and resulted in significant fentanyl seizures across the United States. As part of the One Pill Can Kill initiative, the DEA and its law…
Those who live with a serious mental illness (SMI) may be at greater risk of dying by suicide. Major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are all considered serious mental illnesses. SMI Advisor, in partnership with the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, has published a guide to inform best practices among clinicians and suicide prevention coordinators when…
In 2022-2023, HC DrugFree will host a series of FREE town hall events for the Howard County community. Each event will address a behavioral health (substance use and/or mental health) topic and will feature an expert in the field. The events will be free of charge and open to the entire community.To help us plan…
On Wednesday, August 31st, Howard County held an International Overdose Awareness event at St.Johns Episcopal Church in Ellicott City to recognize those who have overdosed or been affected by opioid misuse . Many organizations were present. The event offered different resources, including Naloxone Training, an Overdose Response Demonstration, and a Program of Celebration. I represented…
WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration is advising the public of an alarming emerging trend of colorful fentanyl available across the United States. In August 2022, DEA and our law enforcement partners seized brightly-colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills in 18 states. Dubbed “rainbow fentanyl” in the media, this trend appears to be a new method used…
Joan Webb Scornaienchi, HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, was recently elected chair of the Howard County Local Behavioral Health Advisory (HCLBHA) Board. HCLBHA was formed in June 2018 to advise the Howard County Executive and County Health Officer with their responsibility to plan, manage, and monitor Behavioral Health programs and services for county residents. “I am pleased…
Submitted by Howard County college student (former TAC member): In high school I was looking for ways to get involved with community groups for service hours and to make friends. I naturally found the Teen Advisory Council (TAC) when looking for programs that fit. The TAC was helpful because I felt like I was part…
Once again, HC DrugFree participated in Leadership Howard County’s annual Health and Human Services Fair for their Leadership U students. We were proud to be represented by a former Teen Advisory Council (TAC) member working on our summer 2022 staff. The LU students were informed about our mission and the many opportunities for youth volunteers…
Today, Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi was invited to showcase HC DrugFree at SAMHSA’s Region 3 Prevention Stakeholders meeting. Ms. Scornaienchi shared about two events where Howard County residents and guests were asked why they support Substance Use/Misuse Prevention. HC DrugFree’s “My Prevention Story” slideshow was played for the group.
We are pleased to announce that HC DrugFree board member, Brian Morrison, DC, has contributed to a comprehensive medical textbook on pain management. As a chiropractor, he provides a unique perspective on integrative pain management that could provide valuable information to both future and current doctors regarding alternatives to opioids and other potentially habit-forming drugs.…
