The 2025-26 HoCo Student Film Festival was held on May 1, 2026 from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Miller Library Congratulations to this year’s talented Film Fest winners! Play the winning film in the HC DrugFree Public Service Announcement category, One Pill Can Kill, created by Srivatsa Pusuluri, Roshan Gopi, Advaith Nair, and Guru Velivelli Counterfeit…
HC DrugFree is excited to announce the successful completion of our 2026 Spring Life Skills classes! Over the past several weeks, middle and high school students came together online to learn, practice, and build the tools they need to make safe, healthy decisions throughout the school year. The Life Skills sessions focused on practical skills…
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, HC DrugFree’s Medication Collection site gathered 1,215.5 lbs of unwanted and expired medications (43 bins) for proper disposal, contributing to an impressive national total of 642,410.4 lbs (321 tons) on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) National Drug Take Back Day. HC DrugFree also distributed 103 medication lock boxes to help families store medications securely and prevent misuse. Thank you to everyone…
The dates for the Fall 2026 Guiding Good Choices® classes for parents, guardians and grandparents are as follows: (To be announced). Registration is CLOSED!!! Register here. Please include any questions or comments on the registration form. Raising preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn’t it be great if adults could take a class that taught us…
More information about future Life Skills and other classes and events will be shared in our newsletter. Quick Links: FREE! Life Skills Training for Grades 6-9 (and slightly younger/older). Also, looking for High School Student Assistants! Classes taught by HoCo-raised college students. We will consider students younger than 6th grade, especially if they are the sibling/friends…
Counterfeit prescription pills are becoming an increasingly serious threat in our community. Many are laced with illegal fentanyl and other dangerous substances, and too often, people have no idea what’s inside. HC DrugFree is proud to align this year’s PSA category with national public awareness efforts, including the DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign, to…
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, HC DrugFree’s Medication Collection site gathered 1,125 lbs of unwanted and expired medications for proper disposal, contributing to an impressive national total of 571,054 lbs (286 tons) on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) National Drug Take Back Day. HC DrugFree also distributed 107 medication lock boxes to help families store medications securely and prevent misuse. Thank you to everyone who…
Don’t know what to do with your expired or leftover meds? Please join HC DrugFree in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot for our convenient twice-a-year drive-thru medication 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 Police and…
HC DrugFree teen volunteers attended Howard County’s 9th annual International Overdose Awareness Day on Sunday, August 31 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ellicott City. The event featured several community resources, a live demonstration of life-saving efforts including the use of Naloxone/Narcan, and a candlelight vigil. Between August 2024 to July 2025, there have been…
This summer, HC DrugFree is staying active across Howard County: meeting face-to-face with youth, parents, and local leaders to promote prevention, wellness, and safety. Our team has been busy attending community events, participating in youth leadership programs, and having important conversations about substance use prevention, mental health, and making safe, informed choices. As always, we…
HC DrugFree is excited to announce the successful completion of our 2025 Summer Life Skills classes! Over the past several weeks, middle and high school students came together online to learn, practice, and build the tools they need to make safe, healthy decisions throughout the school year. The Life Skills sessions focused on practical skills…
Join us for our next Teen Advisory Council (TAC) meeting, to be held on Monday, June 9 at 5:30 via Zoom. If you are not already a TAC member, please visit our TAC webpage to learn more and submit your registration. If you are a member, please remember to register to receive the Zoom link.
Senior Week should be a celebratory, memorable time with friends—not a risk! With the right planning, it can be a safe and fun experience for everyone. Check out our recorded webinar for graduating high school seniors and their parents! https://hcdrugfree.org/senior-week/ The tips shared by Howard County teens, the Ocean City Police, and the Ocean City…
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, HC DrugFree’s Medication and Sharps Collection site gathered 1,359.5 lbs of unwanted and expired medications for proper disposal, contributing to an impressive national total of 620,321 lbs (310 tons) on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) National Drug Take Back Day. In addition to the medications, community members dropped off large quantities of sharps for disposal, which were not weighed. HC…
Don’t know what to do with your leftover, expired, or unwanted 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…
“Spring: a reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.” – Unknown As the sun rises earlier, and the icy winter thaws into spring, there are signs of new life and new beginnings all around us. The flowers bloom and grass grows green, and as the seasons change, we too can embrace a fresh start.…
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi was recommended by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and confirmed by County Council to serve on the newly-established Opioid Restitution Fund Commission. Members of this commission will review and provide recommendations about the use of settlement and grant funds related to addressing opioid use disorders. According to County Executive…
Have you or someone you care about been impacted by youth substance use, behavioral health challenges, or the dangers of rising drug trends? Your experiences and insights can help educate and support others in Howard County. HC DrugFree is inviting students, parents, caregivers, and community members to share their stories, perspectives, and positive messages about: By sharing your story, you can help…
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 how to…
This blog was submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member When we think of February, we think LOVE… …But, love isn’t reserved just for the romantic. The Ancient Greeks had many words for different types of love, and while eros (romantic love) is what we usually associate with February, the words storge (familial love),…
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, once again attended SAMHSA’s annual Prevention Day and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Forum at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. Each year, SAMHSA’s Prevention Day brings together over 4,000 prevention practitioners, advocates, scientists, leaders (community, state, tribal, federal), and consumers…
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…
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.
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 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…
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…
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 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…
What’s Your WHY? #MyWHYNDAFW HC DrugFree asked teen and adult residents of Howard County, MD their WHY: Why they care about drug & alcohol related education, prevention resources, and why leading by example matters. This is what they said… HC DrugFree is proud to partner with the The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and…
You’ve heard of TED Talks. Now, we’d like to introduce TAC Talks! On Monday, March 18 HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) presented “insider information” for parents, educators, middle school students, and their high school peers during this special student-lead community program. This special event covered a range of thought-provoking topics, chosen and presented by Howard County…
One of our long term Teen Advisory Council members, Malhar, is a part of our college student team teaching our Life Skills class that begins next week. In the essay below, he outlines his experience with HC DrugFree, Life Skills, and the impact both have had on his life. Academic and professional life has been…
New Year’s Eve is just on the horizon and as we look into the possibilities of 2024, we can’t help but reflect on 2023. We’re grateful for our community, our friends, and our neighbors. We accomplished a great deal by working together, and for that, we all should be proud. At HC DrugFree, we understand…
CFHoCo Announces 2023 Community Grant Awards The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo) has announced its 2023 community grant awards supporting nonprofits throughout Howard County, Maryland. A total of $200,000 will be distributed across 49 organizations to improve the lives of residents across the community. “The Community Foundation of Howard County is pleased to support…
HC DrugFree attended the Community Overdose Action Town Hall Series hosted by the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center on Thursday November 30. Public testimonies were offered by HC DrugFree Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, HC DrugFree Board Members Harsh Patel and Mary Pizzo, as well as members of HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council. Many thanks…
How it all began: In 1995, a group of dedicated staff members from a local high school came together to address the challenges of youth drug and alcohol use in their community. This initial effort quickly expanded to encompass multiple schools. By 2004, recognizing the growing demands, the nonprofit organization HC DrugFree was established to comprehensively…
In November 2023, HC DrugFree Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi completed the Standards for Excellence Institute® Licensed Consultants Training Program allowing her to provide training, consulting, and support on the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. Ms. Scornaienchi has the expertise and ability to guide a nonprofit in governance…
HC DrugFree is proud to partner with the DEA and the Howard County Police Department for our twice a year medication and sharps collection event. On October 28, 2023 we collected 1,223.5 lbs. of medication at the HC DrugFree site in the Wilde Lake Village Center. Below is an excerpt of the press release from…
HC DrugFree collected more than half a ton of medication and sharps on Saturday. The organization that aims to give Howard Country residents resources to prevent, treat, and recover from substance use and behavioral health disorders, collected 43 bins of medication and 24 bins of sharps over four hours at its collection event on Saturday.…
Thank you to County Executive Calvin Ball for awarding HC DrugFree with a Certificate of Recognition for National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month in October 2023.
The Howard County Police Department announced that 1,278 pounds of unwanted medication and sharps were collected during #DrugTakeBackDay. The collection took place at the Wilde Lake Village Center and various drop boxes throughout the county. In collaboration with HC DrugFree and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the police hosted the event as part of a…
In case you missed it! We have made the Zoom replay available for HC DrugFree’s recent Town Hall, Vaporized Youth: Navigating the Effects of Youth Vaping. DID YOU KNOW…?• Nearly 40% of high school students will try vaping• More 8th-10th graders vape than drink or use cannabis• Despite being promoted as a healthier alternative to…
HC DrugFree is proud to partner with the DEA and the Howard County Police Department for our twice a year medication and sharps collection event. On April 22, 2023 we collected 1,234 lbs. of medication at the HC DrugFree site in the Wilde Lake Village Center. Below is an excerpt of the press release from…
The 2023 HoCo Student Film Festival was held at the Miller Library in Ellicott City at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023. Congratulations to Alyssa Collins from Centennial High School for winning the HC DrugFree Category at the HoCo Student Film Festival on Friday, May 6 with her film Don’t Do Drugs, Live for Hugs, featuring the…
Please take a few minutes to enjoy HC DrugFree’s commemorative slideshow of our April 22 drive-thru medication and sharps collection event during DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day! It’s always so heartwarming to see the community come together to help keep Howard County safe! Again, thank you to the community, our partners, and our dedicated and caring…
HC DrugFree would like to extend our thanks to Brian Crowe, the Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Baltimore District and several other members of the DEA for attending and working at our recent Medication & Sharps Collection event during the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. We are grateful…
In just 4 hours, 1,234 lbs. (43 bins) of medication PLUS 23 bins of sharps were collected at the HC DrugFree collection site at the Wilde Lake Village Center. We also distributed 100 FREE medication lockboxes to members of the community to secure their meds. It truly takes a village to make this event a…
HC DrugFree’s Medication & Sharps Disposal event was featured on WMAR Baltimore. Watch the news segment here. Local non-profit helping to chip away at drug abuse in Howard County COLUMBIA, Md. — Giving away your old prescriptions this weekend might go a long way. From 10am to 2pm Saturday in Howard County, you can bring…
On Wednesday April 19, the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) partnered with St John Baptist Church (SJBC) to host a community event focusing on mental health concerns, particularly in regards to students in the public school school system, but also addressing the greater community. James LeMon, Executive Director of Community, Parent and School Outreach…
It’s a busy month HC DrugFree since we have lots of events, classes, and programs coming up! Learn more at the links below: April 22 – HC DrugFree’s Drive-Thru Medication & Sharps Disposal & Medication Lockbox Giveaway April 25 – Senior Week – Staying Safe in Ocean City Presentation Starting May 2 – Guiding Good…
Each Spring, HC DrugFree celebrates Drug and Alcohol Awareness Month. This annual event is typically held during the month of April and is an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse, as well as promote healthy behaviors and positive decision-making among youth and families in Howard County, MD. HC DrugFree’s…
This week, HC DrugFree completed another series of Life Skills classes for middle and high school students! Classes were comprised of more than 30 enrolled students, several older high school mentors from HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council, and an amazing team of college students who taught the class with oversight from HC DrugFree’s adult staff.…
On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) hosted an educational program at Howard High School called Student Drug Use: A Crisis We Can’t Ignore. This event was intended to open a dialogue about how substance use is affecting HCPSS students, and what parents, educators, and community members can do about…
“NOOOO! Not my Skittles!” One Howard County middle school student lamented. “I can’t believe the companies would allow this,” another replied. “But I like Nerds…” another concerned student chimed in. These are just a few examples of the reactions we received when Howard County students in HC DrugFree’s Life Skills Class were shown photos of…
THC-infused candy and sport drinks, some disguised as popular and recognizable brands like Gatorade and Nerds, are being marketed to children. Since many of these products are being distributed in familiar packaging, unsuspecting kids and adults, may unwittingly consume THC. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical that causes most of marijuana’s psychological effects. Authorities are reporting…
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, once again attended the annual Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Leadership Forum . This four-day conference is packed with multiple adult and youth-oriented opportunities to learn the latest strategies to fight substance misuse and hear from nationally-known experts and policymakers. The Forum brings together more than 3,000 participants representing…
On January 31, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed an Executive Order creating an Opioid Collaborative Community Council to assist in determining priorities for how the County should use funds received through a National Settlement Agreement with opioid manufacturers and any future settlements. The Council is charged with making recommendations to the Fiscal Year 2024…
On January 9th HC Drug Free and the Howard County PTSA Collaborative Parent Education Group hosted a virtual town hall: How Much is Too Much? Finding a Balance between Academic Performance and Student Well-Being. Guest speaker, Anne Arena, MA, CAS shared her experience as a school psychologist and what she sees happening in the lives…
Some stress can be motivating, but too much can be debilitating. So how do we help students learn how to effectively cope with academic pressure so they can be successful in all areas of their lives and prevent them from resorting to unhealthy coping strategies? Join us on Monday, January 9 from 5:30 p.m. to…
On October 29, during HC DrugFree’s medication & sharps disposal event, 100 free medication lockboxes were distributed to participating community members! These lockboxes were provided as our continued promotion of safe, secure storage of medication to keep our community safer!
As a part of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day HC DrugFree’s drive-thru site collected 1,294 lbs. of medication (45 white bins) and 23 red bins of sharps in only 4 hours! Sharps are not included in the weight.
Thank you to County Executive Calvin Ball for awarding HC DrugFree with this Certificate of Recognition for National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month. The certificate was presented to HC DrugFree Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi by Kim Pruim who represented the County Executive at HC DrugFree’s semi-annual medication & sharps collection event.
Another Guiding Good Choices parenting class series ended last week, and the parents who participated walked away with some great ideas and suggestions from other parents on how to handle different situations. Great discussions were had on the pros and cons of paying children for chores and how to get buy-in and agreement from reluctant…
Drive-Thru Medication & Sharps Disposal Event Our semi-annual drive-thru medication & sharps disposal event, aka Drug Take Back Day, is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see you! Join us on Saturday October 29 from 10 a.m. – 2p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot (near the Columbia Swim Center.)…
On Monday, October 24, HC DrugFree, in partnership with the Howard County PTSA Collaborative Parent Education Group, hosted a virtual town hall on teen substance misuse in Howard County. Parents, educators, mental health professionals, law enforcement representatives and more joined together in a conversation about what drugs students are using, how they are getting them,…
HC DrugFree participated in the Latino Health Fair at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center on Saturday Oct 15th. This fair provided health information and services to Spanish speakers in Howard County. In addition to HC DrugFree staff, we were joined by a member of our Teen Advisory Council.
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…
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…
HC DrugFree completed another successful Life Skills program for middle school students last week. Twenty middle school students learned skills that will help them better navigate the social difficulties of adolescence, such as how to be assertive, make good choices, communicate clearly, and how to effectively cope with anxiety and anger. The class was taught…
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…
In a collaborative effort with the Kerala Cultural Society, recent HCPSS grad and member of HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC), Adhithyaa Nair was interviewed by Sidhaarth Raghunath about issues related marijuana use in teens, including different perceptions about the safety of marijuana use, how it affects the nervous system both in the short and…
Maryland has a new way to connect to a local behavioral health crisis call specialist. Calling 988 will connect callers directly to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline which can provide assistance with substance use or mental health crises. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline replaces the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1- 800-273-8255). All contacts…
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.…
Congratulations Class of 2022! Before you head off to Senior Week, check out the “Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City” virtual program on the Senior Week page.
Congratulations to siblings Mia and Joey Dowd for winning the HC DrugFree Category at the Ho Co Student Film Festival on Friday, May 6 with the film, Drinking Doesn’t Solve Problems, It Causes More, which can be viewed below or on our website. Thank you to all of the students who submitted their films to the Ho…
Using SAMHSA’s 2022 National Prevention Week (NPW) challenge called #MyPreventionStory, YOU told HC DrugFree WHY you support prevention services and education. NPW is the perfect time to remind our Howard County community about the importance of prevention programs, the positive impact they have on mental health and substance use, and that prevention saves lives and money. Click here or…
Please take a few minutes to enjoy HC DrugFree’s commemorative slideshow of our April 30 drive-thru medication and sharps collection and the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer tour. Again, thank you to the community, our partners, and our dedicated and caring team!!! Together, we collected 1,157 lbs. (40 white bins) of medication. The additional 21 red bins…
Once again, Maryland’s Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford was a member of HC DrugFree’s Medication and Sharps collection team. The Lt. Governor has remained committed to fighting the opioid epidemic and related mental health issues in Maryland through a comprehensive approach that has included a focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery.
HC DrugFree provided a 2-for-1 event today between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot. At the twice-a-year drive-thru Medication and Sharps Collection, volunteers collected 1,157 lbs. of medication (40 bins), plus 21 bins of sharps. At the same time, adults were invited to experience the Hidden In Plain…
At today’s drive-thru Medication and Sharps Collection held in the Wilde Lake Village Center, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball presented HC DrugFree with a Certificate of Recognition for the organization’s annual Drug and Alcohol Awareness Month celebrated each April.
United States Attorney for the District of MD Erek L. Barron and Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) visited HC DrugFree’s Medication and Sharps collection site held on the DEA’s 21st National Drug Take Back Day, and along with approximately 100 other adults, both men visited…
Thank you to the Centennial High School (CHS) administration for partnering with HC DrugFree to present pre-prom programs to Juniors and Seniors. The two programs were held on Friday, April 22 and addressed some of the many dangers of substance use. A special thank you to Mr. Shannon Garrett for presenting and overseeing this unique and memorable…
Medication & Sharps Disposal and the In Plain Sight Experience HC Drug Free is excited to announce a unique opportunity for parents and other adults. In addition to our spring Drive-thru Medication and Sharps Collection on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., adults are invited to tour the In Plain Sight Experience, a…
As another successful series of Guiding Good Choices parenting classes comes to a close, it is important to reflect on what was learned. Beyond the topics addressed by the curriculum, this class raised some very practical and pertinent questions that many parents experience and just aren’t sure how to handle. For example, the class discussed…
Prior to volunteering for the Life Skills class, our older students were given the opportunity to test their own knowledge about drug and alcohol use and other topics from the Life Skills course. While some of our older students are new to the program, others have volunteered previously and are familiar with the content. In…
HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council hosted a “Teen Talk” virtual safe driving program in partnership with the MD Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office, the Howard County Police Department, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Teens…
On November 15, 2021, a group of high school students, middle schools students, and parents joined HC DrugFree for a viewing and discussion of Haze, a documentary about a college student’s experience with alcohol overdose and hazing. Because the program was so well-received, HC DrugFree has decided to offer the opportunity to Howard County PTAs/PTSAs…
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball issued a Certificate of Recognition for National Medicine Abuse Month. On behalf of the County Executive, Kim Pruim presented Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi with the Certificate at HC DrugFree’s drive-thru medication and sharps collection on National Drug Take Back Day.
On Saturday, October 23, 2021, HC DrugFree’s site collected 1,106 lbs. of medication in four hours at our convenient drive-thru in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot. In addition, we collected 19 bins of sharps. Our next collection is tentatively scheduled for April 2022. Thank you to our partners: The Howard County Police Department,…
HC DrugFree will hold our next FREE and convenient medication & sharps drive-thru collection on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot. What kind of things can you bring? We’ll take: Prescriptions Over-the-counter medications Vitamins Vape devices (with the batteries removed, please!) Inhalers Sharps (EpiPens,…
August 31, 2021 marks twelve years since Joan Webb Scornaienchi was instated as the Executive Director of HC DrugFree. Since that time Ms. Scornaienchi has been dedicated to HC DrugFree’s mission of keeping Howard County residents informed and safe through a variety of educational opportunities including HC DrugFree’s popular semi-annual medication and sharps disposal event.…
Thirty four elementary, middle and high school students participated in HC DrugFree’s summer online Life Skills series. They were joined by our instructional team of 3 high school students, 3 college students, a recent college graduate, a parent, and HC DrugFree’s Executive Director. An evidence-based curriculum was followed and team members shared their experiences. Student feedback: “I…
HC DrugFree is honored to receive a 2021 community grant award from the Community Foundation of Howard County. For more than 50 years, the Community Foundation of Howard County has served as a knowledgeable, trusted partner that forges connections between donors and nonprofit organizations to provide impactful investments in Howard County. In 2020, the foundation awarded more than…
FREE and back by popular demand!!! Life Skills Training for Grades 6-9 8 FREE online sessions July 13 – 28, 2021 HC DrugFree is providing another series of FUN and interactive skills-based classes designed to promote positive health and personal development. This curriculum was designed for students in grades 6 to 9, but for slightly…
Virtual Event Available Starting June 10 In just a few short weeks, many Howard County teens will trade their graduation caps and gowns for bathing suits and fun in the sun in Ocean City, MD during the popular “Senior Week.” While Senior Week can be fun for recent grads, many teens opt to engage in…
Pictured to left of HC DrugFree’s Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi are only some of the many sharps collected (red & a few white bins on the left) at HC DrugFree’s drive-thru site. To right of Joan are 1,494.5 lbs. of medication (white bins to the right). Sharps are not included in the weight. Thank you to the Howard County Police and…
Thank you to Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford (right) for presenting HC DrugFree with another citation signed by Governor Hogan and the Lt. Governor for the impressive amount of medication we have helped to remove from our community and hosting these collection events on the DEA’s national Drug Take Back Days since 2012. Thank you to County Executive Calvin…
Joan Webb Scornaienchi, Executive Director of HC DrugFree, was recognized as a Woman Making Positive Changes in Howard County as a part of the inaugural ‘So She Did’ Campaign. HC DrugFree’s team thanks Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Howard County Commission For Women, and the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services for shining…
HC DrugFree’s next drive-thru medication and sharps collection will be held on Saturday April 24th in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot in Columbia between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Rain or shine. Bring your prescription and over-the-counter medication and sharps (needles, syringes and EpiPens). Separate sharps from the meds/pills. Sharps should be in…
Attention all Teachers! To recognize the outstanding efforts of teachers who have persevered in the face of the incredible challenges presented by COVID-19 we are partnering with Morrison Chiropractic for the month of February to bring you Teacher Appreciation Month. We recognize how difficult teaching through a pandemic has been and how it has contributed…
FREE and back by popular demand!!! Life Skills Training for Middle School Students 15 FREE online sessions to begin on January 27, 2021 HC DrugFree is providing another series of FUN and interactive skills-based classes designed to promote positive health and personal development. This “Middle School” curriculum was designed for students in grades 6 to…
Have you ever made a snowman out of household items? Or painted a rock with a positive message to hide somewhere in the community? Perhaps you’re passionate about donating to your local animal shelter or to a food pantry. While some of these things may not seem like a big deal, when you embrace “random…
‘Tis the Season to be Socially Distant…but we want to be Jolly, too! This holiday season looks a lot different than it has in years past, and many people are having a difficult time due to lack of connection. But what can we do about it? Our Teen Advisory Council will be participating in a…
‘Tis the Season to be Socially Distant…but we want to be Jolly, too! This holiday season looks a lot different than it has in years past, and many people are having a difficult time due to lack of connection. But what can we do about it? We would like the Teen Advisory Council to safely…
The next Drug Take Back Day is almost upon us, and we’re prepared to sally forth into the post-pandemic world and bring back our long awaited drive-thru drug disposal event! So, what does HC Drug Free’s drive-thru Drug Take Back event look like in the age of Coronavirus? We hope it will look a lot…
Parenting preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a class that taught us how to tell our kids to confidently say NO to drugs? There is! And it starts THIS TUESDAY at 6:30 pm. Sign up today for the 4 class series (Tuesdays) before spots fill up! Register here For…
Please join HC DrugFree for our semi-annual drive through Drug Take-Back event on Saturday October 24th. Bring any prescription or over-the-counter medications, syringes, EpiPens, vitamins, and even pet medications. This allows these items to be disposed of safely (please don’t flush them!) or end up in the hands of those who might misuse them. All…
HC DrugFree’s team thanks, our partner, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services for conducting an online cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR training and to the 50 individuals who attended. We appreciate your support of HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council. Click here to read a blog post written by one of our TAC members about…
HC DrugFree is providing a highly interactive skills-based program designed to promote positive health and personal development for youth in grades 6-8. The integrated approach helps to develop personal, interpersonal, and drug resistance skills. This middle school program uses developmentally appropriate, collaborative learning strategies to help students achieve competency in the skills that have been…
HC DrugFree and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office partnered to complete another series of parenting classes open to parents of 9-14 year olds. The first class was held in person at Oakland Mills Middle School and the final 3 classes were held online. Parents were provided with the skills and knowledge to reduce the…
HC DrugFree and the State’s Attorney’s Office are offering another series of parenting classes. Guiding Good Choices is an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides the families of children age 9-14 with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs. Online parenting classes begin Wednesday, May 20. Thank you…
HC DrugFree has successfully moved Life Skills Classes for Bonnie Branch Middle School students online as of Tuesday, April 28. We have completed 6 classes through Zoom so far. Thank you to the BBMS team: Dr. Andrew Cockley, school staff, PTA, and BBMS/HC DrugFree Rep Gina McGuinness for making this partnership such a success throughout…
HC DrugFree’s next middle school Life Skills Classes will be held at Bonnie Branch Middle School (BBMS) immediately following school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If your child attends BBMS and you want to register them for these 15 classes, please contact HC DrugFree. Free. Classes begin Tuesday, March 17. Thank you to the BBMS team:…
HC DrugFree’s team presented the final of 15 Life Skills classes held at Dunloggin Middle School. During the final classes, students applied the skills they have learned in order to discuss handling difficult situations and resolving conflicts. Pictured: Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi, Teen Advisory Council member Julia Mamo, college student/staff Ashley Rothermel, Teen Advisory…
For decades, Howard County has been known for its forward-thinking approach to creating the highest quality of life, serving as a national example of how people of diverse backgrounds can create a thriving community. Yet, the future presents new challenges. Click here for a printable PDF of the report released by the Horizon Foundation.
On Wednesday, February 5, thousands of youth and adults gathered on the Capitol Hill grounds to show a united force for continued funding for primary prevention efforts and to hear members of Congress pledge their support to the energized audience from across the United States and beyond. HC DrugFree works hard to give a voice…
On Tuesday, February 4, Jim Carroll, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), was one of the speakers at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Leadership Forum, bringing together top experts in the field of prevention to inspire and educate. This month, ONDCP released the Trump Administration’s National…
HC DrugFree has completed 6 of the 15 scheduled Life Skills after-school classes at Dunloggin Middle School. Flier Life Skills (12-6-19)
Parents/guardians are invited to join HC DrugFree and Marriotts Ridge High School PTSA to learn more about vaping and other drug use in Howard County. January 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Marriotts Ridge High School auditorium. Free. Open to the public. If school activities are cancelled due to weather, the back-up date will be…
On Wednesday, April 1, 2020 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will host their annual National Drug and Alcohol Chat Day. Once again, HC DrugFree is proud to partner with NIDA to provide an online access code for Howard County teens to submit their questions about drugs and alcohol…
HC DrugFree is partnering with Dunloggin Middle School to provide a highly interactive and skills-based program designed to promote positive health and personal development for youth in grades 6-8. The integrated approach helps to develop personal, interpersonal, and drug resistance skills. This middle school program uses developmentally appropriate, collaborative learning strategies to help students achieve…
The next convenient drive-thru medications and sharps (needles, syringes and EpiPens) collection is this Saturday, October 26. HC DrugFree’s team wants your unwanted and expired over-the-counter and prescription medication as well as any sharps. No need to remove medication or labels from the bottles and no need to get out of your vehicle. Join us 10…
HC DrugFree and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office in partnership with the Howard County Public School System and the Howard County Health Department will once again provide evidence-based classes for parents of 9 to 14 year olds to gain skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs. This 4-week series…
HC DrugFree encourages you to learn more about possible drug-free alternatives to pain management. According to Dr. Brian Morrison, “Our understanding of chronic pain has changed dramatically in recent years. Most people can manage pain better with a variety of conservative modalities like chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, exercise and learning about the science behind their…
HC DrugFree and Delphi Behavioral Health Group were pleased to offer High In Plain Sight earlier today at Howard High School with national presenter “Tall Cop” Officer Jermaine Galloway. More than 175 adults attended the event.
HC DrugFree’s April 27 prescription and over-the-counter medication and sharps (needles, syringes and EpiPens) collection was another huge success. In partnership with the Howard County Police, HC DrugFree’s team collected 993 lbs (35 bins) of unwanted and expired medication as well as 20 bins of sharps at our convenient drive-thru collection in the Wilde Lake Village Center…
HC DrugFree is proud to announce the 2018-19 HoCo Student Film Festival winners in the HC DrugFree Category: 1st Place Winner: “In the Know about Students Who Vape in Howard County” by Reservoir High School student Claire O’Shaughnessy 2nd Place Winner: “Escape the Vape” by Reservoir High School student Dannah Marcelino
At Winter Growth’s Fabulous 40 Anniversary Celebration, HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi was one of the community members honored for living with joy and purpose. Thank you to Winter Growth’s team for this special recognition and we wish you a Happy Anniversary.
Free Life Skills Classes for 9th and 10th graders at The Barn (Teen Center) in the Oakland Mills Village Center: Close enough for Oakland Mills High School students to walk, the classes begin on April 30. HC DrugFree, in partnership with the Columbia Association Youth and Teen Center, will present Botvin LifeSkills Training, a 10-week highly interactive, skills-based program…
Monday, March 18, 2019 at Howard High School and Monday, April 1, 2019 at Marriotts Ridge High School Parents (and grandparents!) and high school seniors are invited to attend two 2019 Senior Week: Staying Safe in OC programs. Both events will begin at 7:00 PM. Once again, Ocean City Police Cpl. Howard Caplan, Howard County Public…
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director joined Prevention Professionals in DC to educate and advocate for funding.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) hosts a Chat Day annually. HC DrugFree is proud to once again be able to provide the Howard County access code. Information about registering for the Chat Day can be found at https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week/chat-with-scientists. Our Howard County students have questions. In a previous year, our students submitted 869 questions in one day,…
HC DrugFree thanks the Thurgood Marshall Democratic Club of Howard County for inviting us to provide a community update.
HC DrugFree thanks the Atholton High School PTSA for inviting us to speak to parents and students.
HC DrugFree and Bonnie Branch Middle School PTA partnered to provide Up In Smoke: What Parents Need to Know about Juuling, Vaping and Other Drugs. More than 75 parents and students attended. Pictured front row: BBMS PTA President Tonya Sigalas; BBMS PTA HC DrugFree Rep Gina McGuinness; BBMS student and HC DrugFree volunteer Kyle McGuinness; HC DrugFree…
Joan Webb Scornaienchi showed Michael Baier, the Director of Prevention at the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), HC DrugFree’s In the KNOW about Opioids campaign materials.
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi and Lt. Howard Caplan with the Ocean City Police Department work together throughout the year to keep Howard County youth and families safe. It’s time to begin planning our spring 2019 Senior Week in OC programs held in partnership with the OCPD and OC Beach Patrol. Another picture…
HC DrugFree’s Team had another successful Medication and Sharps drive-thru collection in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot in Columbia. In 4 hours on a rainy Saturday, 776.3 lbs of medication and 18 large bins of sharps were collected at our location. Thank you to all the Howard County residents delivering medication and sharps.…
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director was once again invited by Retired Army General, Arthur T. Dean to attend the annual Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) awards dinner. The event was held at National Harbor, MD. HC DrugFree thanks General Dean and CADCA’s staff for your support throughout the years.
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi was a panelists at an Opioid Forum hosted by the Wilde Lake Village Health And Wellness Committee. The event was held at Slayton House.
HC DrugFree and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO) are partnering to provide a 4-week training program for parents/guardians of 9-14 year olds. The classes are being held at the Elkridge Library and running through the month of October. For more information about upcoming classes, email Admin@hcdrugfree.org or call 443-325-0040. Pictured staff from HC…
HC DrugFree is proud to partner with IMPAQ International’s researchers, data and analytics experts, survey professionals, technical innovators, subject matter experts, and communications specialists. Today, HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi spoke to employees at their Columbia, MD location. Pictured left to right: Bryan Gale, Lauren Weinmann, Joan Webb Scornaienchi and Peter Morrison.
HC DrugFree’s executive director and past chair of the Howard County Commission for Women (CFW), Joan Webb Scornaienchi was invited to participate as a Substance Use Disorder subject expert at the Maryland CFW’s Voices of MD Women round table conference held at Notre Dame of MD University. A report released by MD CFW, showed women across…
On behalf of Howard County parents and youth, HC DrugFree continues to remind merchants not to sell alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age. In June, HC DrugFree’s team once again visited several liquor stores in Howard County and provided merchants with additional “Be A Parent…Not A Friend” educational campaign materials. Thank you to the many…
Tonight was the final Howard County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Advisory Board (ADAAB) meeting. HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi served as chair of ADAAB for 8 years and worked beside committed board members and members of the community. County Executive Allan Kittleman provided Certificates of Recognition for the appointed board members and the…
HC DrugFree thanks Becky Mangus (right in photo), outgoing president of the Rotary Club of Columbia, for the club’s generous donation. HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi accepted the check at the June 19 meeting held at Eggspectation in Columbia. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Columbia for 50 years of Giving to The…
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director spent the morning talking with Howard County residents at the new Elkridge 50+ Center. Residents learned about talking with their doctors about their medications, safe medication storage, proper disposal of medication, and so much more. Each participant was given a medication storage box.
Do NOT feel pressured to experiment with drugs. Many around you will smoke or Juul and the long-term damage is not worth it. If your “best friend” pressures you into trying, reject it. A real friend wouldn’t.
Members of HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) volunteered at the Korean Fair to answer questions about the organization’s services and recruit more teens from across the county to TAC. The fair was held at the Charles E. Miller Library in Ellicott City. Pictured: TAC member Calvin Lee, Joan Webb Scornaienchi and TAC member Tim…
HC DrugFree was among the organizations invited to participate in Bethany Lane Baptist Church’s Living Free program. Participants were encouraged to live free from the chains holding them back. Speakers pictured above: Sherrie McKay, Joan Webb Scornaienchi with HC DrugFree, Gary Freeman, Beth Schmidt with the MD Coalition of Families, and Pastor Kip Smith. Absent…
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, Health Officer Maura Rossman and HC DrugFree’s Executive Director joined together to throw out the first pitch at today’s first annual Recovery Oriented Services of Care (ROSC) Home Run for Recovery Softball Tournament held at Centennial Park in Ellicott City.
Today, HC DrugFree’s team of volunteers were busy from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot collecting 952.5 lbs of unwanted and expired prescription and over-the-counter medication as well as 18 bins of sharps (needles, syringes, and EpiPens). Thank you to the Howard County Police Department and the Drug…
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi received the Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award for Employee of the Year from the Association of Community Services (ACS) of Howard County. The event was held in The Great Room at Savage Mills.
County Executive Allan Kittleman directs the public to HC DrugFree and the Howard County Health Department for concerns about heroin addiction and to avoid the tragic loss shared in this video.
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, was named one of “10 People Who Make the Baltimore Region Better” in an article in The Baltimore Sun. Ms. Scornaienchi has been the Executive Director of HC DrugFree since 2009 and has received much recognition for her work.
HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, was invited by Dr. Amelia Arria and the University of Maryland School of Public Health to serve on a panel as part of Public Health Research at Maryland 2018. The day-long event was held on April 3 at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union on the University of…
Ocean City Police Cpl. Howard Caplan and Howard County Public School administrator James McVey representing Ocean City Beach Patrol joined HC DrugFree’s Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi at the first of two annual Senior Week: Staying Safe in OC programs. This event was hosted by Howard High School’s principal Nick Novak. HC DrugFree thanks its…
Congratulations to Joan Webb Scornaienchi, HC DrugFree’s Executive Director since 2009 for being inducted into the Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame for her many contributions to the County.
Members of HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) remind you that today is national Kick Butts Day, a national day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco. Great strides have been made in the fight against tobacco, but daily, more than 3,000 youth under 18 try smoking…
HC DrugFree’s teen volunteers joined staff at the annual Latino Health Fair at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center to distribute free English and Spanish drug/alcohol educational materials.
Once again, HC DrugFree was proud to partner with the Ho Co Student FilmFest. The event was held on Friday, March 9 at the Miller Library in Ellicott City. More than 100 youths and adults attended the event to cheer on the student filmmakers. HC DrugFree’s category received 8 films qualifying for judging. Pictured: HCPSS staff…
Congratulations to HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi for her upcoming induction into the Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame. Ms. Scornaienchi will be one of three women inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018. The induction ceremony will be held on March 22 in the George Howard Building in Ellicott City,…
HC DrugFree was pleased to spend time with old friends and meet new partners in the substance use prevention movement while at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s annual National Leadership Forum in National Harbor, MD. Pictured: HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi with Dr. Wilson Compton, Deputy Director, from the National Institute on…
HC DrugFree, Howard High School PTSA, and Bonnie Branch Middle School PTA partnered to present: SUBSTANCE USE AND ITS IMPACT ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH with expert speaker Dr. Amelia Arria. Pictured: Bonnie Branch Middle School Principal Dr. Andrew Cockley, Howard High School PTSA President Donna Sudbrook, Bonnie Branch Middle School’s HC DrugFree Parent…
Members of HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council promoted the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s national Drug and Alcohol Facts Week by “Shattering the Myths” and submitting a video question.
HC DrugFree’s team provided a drug and alcohol update to parents at St. Louis School located in Clarksville. The speakers included HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi and the owner of Congruent Counseling, Mark Donovan. Pictured: Sheri Lewis, Home & School Association, President; Camilla Duffy, Home & School Association, Treasurer; Joan Webb Scornaienchi; Tina McMorland, Home & School Association, Secretary;…
Thank you to the Howard County Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Megha Sharma, the President of Long Reach High School’s FBLA chapter and Region 5 Vice President, for inviting Joan Webb Scornaienchi and John Scornaienchi to present “Gaining a Competitive Edge” at the FBLA Regional Leadership Conference earlier today. The conference was held…
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Columbia Patuxent for inviting HC DrugFree to speak at your morning meeting. Pictured: Rotary’s Cliff Feldwick, HC DrugFree’s Joan Webb Scornaiench, and Howard County Deputy State’s Attorney and HC DrugFree’s Board Member Kim Oldham.
