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 November 12, 15, 19, 22 and December 3 from noon to 1:30 on Zoom! 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…

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…

Hidden In Plain Sight: An Interactive Drug Education Program for Parents

Hidden In Plain Sight: An Interactive Drug Education Program for Parents

In this video from the DEA, a mock teenage bedroom displays some everyday items that can actually be indicators of drug use or risky behavior. The audience will be shown and advised of the significance of every item on display in the “bedroom”.

No Judgment. Just Help: What You Can Do to Support Suicide Prevention Month Efforts

No Judgment. Just Help: What You Can Do to Support Suicide Prevention Month Efforts

This article from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month and provides statistics and hints to raise awareness of warning signs and prevention tactics. Read more.

Tips for a Successful New School Year

Tips for a Successful New School Year

Submitted by a recent college graduate. As the new school year is nearing, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Whether you’re moving up a grade or entering a new school, the adjustment can be challenging. But with the right mindset and a few practical tips, you can make this year one…