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'Tis the season
A Partnership guide on navigating the holidays
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Good planning can ease your holiday stress
Keep recovery on track despite triggers
Holiday celebrations are meant to bring comfort and joy. Too often they also bring stress. The season can be even more difficult if you're struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, whether in active addiction or recovery.
Partnership is here to remind you that you don’t need alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs to make it through this holiday season, but you do need to be prepared:
Have holiday stressors challenged your recovery, or have you already relapsed? Don’t feel ashamed or think you failed. Relapse is just another part of recovery. It means you need extra help to cope with your triggers.
Partnership can help you get your recovery back on track. If you’re ready, talk to one of our team members today to learn about treatment and support group options and how we can help. Call 256-539-7339.
Support of family and friends is important – try these tips
The holiday season can be a wonderful time to reconnect with your loved one in recovery. But not everything is going to go perfectly as planned. It never does.
Take a moment to recognize that your loved one is undergoing a lot of stress right now. An extra dose of love and understanding will go a long way toward making this a happier season.
Communication is one of the best gifts a person in recovery can receive, or give to themselves and their loved ones, over the holidays. Even though it may be easier to avoid and deny the fact that someone is struggling, it is even more important and beneficial to support and pay close attention to what others may be experiencing – not just what’s under the tree.
So, take some time and ask with genuine sincerity, “How are you doing?,” and then listen to the answer. It may seem inconsequential, but expressing concern in a positive way could brighten someone’s day or even lead to a more meaningful conversation.
Keep recovery on track despite triggers
Holiday celebrations are meant to bring comfort and joy. Too often they also bring stress. The season can be even more difficult if you're struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, whether in active addiction or recovery.
Partnership is here to remind you that you don’t need alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs to make it through this holiday season, but you do need to be prepared:
- Connect with sober contacts. Reaching out for help is not only an act of vulnerability that benefits you; it also can be an act of service to those you are contacting.
- Create a plan ahead of time if you expect to be around family, friends, or colleagues who may encourage you to drink or misuse drugs. Bring an accountability person to holiday events. Take your own safe foods or drinks that you can enjoy. Plan an exit strategy if you find yourself in an unhealthy situation.
- Recognize and limit triggers. Take care of your basic needs like food, sleep, and your mood so that you can manage your triggers. Once you identify your triggers, notice your warning signs, your thought patterns, and your desire to seek out unhealthy situations.
- Set boundaries. Rehearse how you will decline alcoholic beverages or substances, and practice how you will respond to questions about your recovery that you are not ready to answer.
- Be intentional about the invitations you accept. It's OK to say, “No, thank you,” to invitations, customs, or practices that are unhealthy for you. Your peace of mind is important. Maintain it by celebrating in ways and with people supportive of your sobriety or recovery.
Have holiday stressors challenged your recovery, or have you already relapsed? Don’t feel ashamed or think you failed. Relapse is just another part of recovery. It means you need extra help to cope with your triggers.
Partnership can help you get your recovery back on track. If you’re ready, talk to one of our team members today to learn about treatment and support group options and how we can help. Call 256-539-7339.
Support of family and friends is important – try these tips
The holiday season can be a wonderful time to reconnect with your loved one in recovery. But not everything is going to go perfectly as planned. It never does.
Take a moment to recognize that your loved one is undergoing a lot of stress right now. An extra dose of love and understanding will go a long way toward making this a happier season.
Communication is one of the best gifts a person in recovery can receive, or give to themselves and their loved ones, over the holidays. Even though it may be easier to avoid and deny the fact that someone is struggling, it is even more important and beneficial to support and pay close attention to what others may be experiencing – not just what’s under the tree.
So, take some time and ask with genuine sincerity, “How are you doing?,” and then listen to the answer. It may seem inconsequential, but expressing concern in a positive way could brighten someone’s day or even lead to a more meaningful conversation.
invest in partnership programs for giving tuesday!
Every Dollar makes a difference
2022 Pullin' for Partnership — All Winners!!
A second year success for pullin' for partnership!
Thank you to everyone who made the Second Annual Pullin' for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge a success through participating, volunteering, or donating. We had about half of the registered teams participate after we had to reschedule the date because of the severe weather threat of Oct. 25. But the 10 teams who made it last Thursday, Nov. 10 had a great competition.
The Fire Truck Challenge raised $17,000 to support Partnership’s Recovery Resource Hub and the agency’s youth drug prevention and education programs. Teams of 10 competed for bragging rights and trophies by grabbing a giant rope and pulling a 46,000-pound fire truck a distance of 100 feet.
Trophy winners included:
Other times:
“Everyone who supported this event and who came out and participated is a hero in our book,” said Wendy Reeves, Partnership’s executive director. “It’s a lot of fun, but it also helps Partnership fulfill its serious mission to provide youth drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention and education, as well as adult recovery resources. As a nonprofit, we depend on donations. With the opioid, fentanyl and vaping epidemics, our programs are in demand now more than ever before in the agency’s 34-year history.”
The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community and Madison Fire & Rescue event is designed to bring attention to the substance use problems facing our community and help raise funds to provide services to those looking for help through Partnership programs.
The support of Partnership’s many sponsors, including top donors Adtran, Colsa Corporation, Huntsville Havoc, the Huntsville Housing Authority, and Geraldine Tibbs, helped make Pullin’ for Partnership such a success, Reeves said.
Partnership for a Drug-Free Community offers youth drug prevention and education programs and Recovery Resource Hub services free of charge. Anyone looking for information or help can find it by calling 256-539-7339.
The Fire Truck Challenge raised $17,000 to support Partnership’s Recovery Resource Hub and the agency’s youth drug prevention and education programs. Teams of 10 competed for bragging rights and trophies by grabbing a giant rope and pulling a 46,000-pound fire truck a distance of 100 feet.
Trophy winners included:
- Fastest Time for a Public Safety Team — Huntsville Police Department, 14.65 seconds
- Fastest Time for a Community Team — Adtran, 16:01 seconds
- Fastest Time for a Combined Team (Public Safety and Community) Dale Strong, 14:89 seconds
- Most Team Spirit — Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 16:65 seconds
- Slowest Pull — Gurley Volunteer Fire Department, 16:68 seconds
Other times:
- HPD, STAC 12, - 15:11 seconds
- Madison County Sheriff's Office - 15:25 seconds
- HPD/SRO (Specialized Rope Operators) - 15:35 seconds
- Adtran Team 2 - 16:53 seconds
- The Partnership Team actually had the fastest time of the day. The team was made up of 15 board members, staff, and volunteers who came in at 14:46 seconds. But we had more than 10 participants on our team, so our time didn't really count.
“Everyone who supported this event and who came out and participated is a hero in our book,” said Wendy Reeves, Partnership’s executive director. “It’s a lot of fun, but it also helps Partnership fulfill its serious mission to provide youth drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention and education, as well as adult recovery resources. As a nonprofit, we depend on donations. With the opioid, fentanyl and vaping epidemics, our programs are in demand now more than ever before in the agency’s 34-year history.”
The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community and Madison Fire & Rescue event is designed to bring attention to the substance use problems facing our community and help raise funds to provide services to those looking for help through Partnership programs.
The support of Partnership’s many sponsors, including top donors Adtran, Colsa Corporation, Huntsville Havoc, the Huntsville Housing Authority, and Geraldine Tibbs, helped make Pullin’ for Partnership such a success, Reeves said.
Partnership for a Drug-Free Community offers youth drug prevention and education programs and Recovery Resource Hub services free of charge. Anyone looking for information or help can find it by calling 256-539-7339.
A shout out to the 2022 Pullin' for partnership sponsors
What's the best way to get the fastest time pulling a 46,000 pound fire truck?
More People!
But that means your time doesn't count. The official rules call for a team of 10! But Partnership pulled in board members, staff and volunteers for its "all-in" team this year.
great american smokeout — thursday nov. 17, 2022
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RESCHEDULED for severe weather threat from 10/25 to 11/10Get Ready for the second annual pullin' for partnershipIt's the ultimate tug of war challenge, a great team-building event and a lot of FUN! Gather a team and get ready to pull a 46,000-pound truck 100 feet with a rope. The teams with the Fastest Team Pull will be named the Fire Truck Pull Champions! Bring all of your biggest fans to cheer you on during your pull.
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It’s time to clean out the medicine cabinet for the next community Medication Take-Back event set for Saturday, Oct. 25 at three locations between 9 a.m. and noon.
This is an event in which anyone can participate to help make an impact on the opioid epidemic in Madison County. More than 30,000 pounds of outdated or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications have been collected at community take-back events since area law enforcement began the effort in September 2010. If you have medications that you don’t need, then drive through and drop them off at any of the three locations on Saturday, Oct. 25. For more information call 256-539-7339. |
What is a Fire Truck Pull? Check out photos from 2021
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Laura Edwards told Teresa Taylor-Duncan she saved
her life by arresting her seven years ago. |
Officer finds hope — and the spider lady — at Partnership's
Tinsel Trail tree
By Teresa Taylor-Duncan
There are some words that will stop a police officer in their tracks. After almost 20 years in law enforcement, most officers will find it unnerving to publicly experience strong emotions. We hone the skills of compartmentalizing pain and fear so that our most private selves are protected from abuse and disappointment. However, occasionally, someone or something edges into our psyche and touches us to our very core.
Today (November 22), I had the privilege of stopping by Big Spring Park as a board member for the Partnership for a Drug-Free Community. The board was helping to decorate the tree along the annual Tinsel Trail, and today was my day to hang some ornaments.
I won’t lie. It’s Monday, three days before a holiday, the last day of my on-call for the weekend, and I really didn’t feel the spirit of the upcoming holidays was upon me.
Deciding to just dig in and go, I drove to Big Spring Park and found my way to the Partnership tree. The silver, gold, and blue ornaments twisting in the cold November air reflected the bright sunlight. Yellow- and auburn-colored leaves fell against a blue sky and rustled on my boots as I stood next to the decorated tree. I posed with some new board members for the obligatory smiling social media photo op still feeling not much holiday spirit.
After the photos, Wendy Reeves, the executive director for Partnership, introduced me to the new board and staff members. As I greeted these ladies, one stood out as someone I thought I should know. In law enforcement, we often do a quick brain search and try to put the person we are meeting in the “did I arrest this person or did I meet them at the ballfield” categories.
My brain would not process the search, but the smiling blonde must have seen my confusion and said, “I am the spider lady.” Confusion still reigned and must have belied my usual “nice to meet you” greeting. Spider ladies are uncommon in my line of work, but she went on to say those four words that got my attention, “You saved my life.”
She introduced herself as Laura Edwards, peer support counselor for Partnership for a Drug-Free Community, and with a twinkle in her eye, said, “You arrested me in 2014, and if you had not, I would be dead now.”
It came back with a crash. In 2014, I was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit, and I and my partners stopped Ms. Edwards on the roadway. She was detained, and I sat her in the front seat of my vehicle where we talked while her car was inventoried for impound. We could see my partners checking off clothing, bags, and other items inside Laura’s car.
All at once, those two seasoned, tough cops jumped away from the back of Laura’s car and, in a not-so-cop-like fashion, squealed like little girls when a black widow spider decided to surrender. In that moment, I was not a cop interviewing a suspect; Laura and I were two girls laughing as my partners danced the death spider dance. I recall telling her that if she didn’t get off the drugs, she would not live to tell anyone the spider story.
After that, I have no recollection of what happened to Laura Edwards. I am sure she went to jail and her spider mobile was impounded, but beyond that, I was resigned to not knowing if my words or actions made an impact, until today when she stepped around that Christmas tree and re-introduced herself.
Laura was bright and clear-headed. She had hope in her heart and a twinkle in her eyes. She told me that she had been clean and sober for seven years and how her life had changed dramatically since that hot day in August of 2014. I felt such emotion for this young lady who has clearly worked hard to become a guiding light for others who are facing substance use disorder. While she is not my child, I felt the pride that a mother feels when she realizes, just maybe, that young person was listening.
Suddenly, I saw all the Christmas trees standing ready to be decorated, and a glimmer of hope for the future seemed to fill my spirit. I told the Partnership ladies that work called, and I had to leave. In all reality, my heart was just so full my emotions were about to be flowing down my face for everyone to see! I rushed to my car, walking through the crisp cold wind with tears in my eyes. Clearly, my cold, hard exterior had sprung a leak!
Laura Edwards, my pride in you is immeasurable. Your tenacity and strength have rewarded you with sobriety, but they have also reminded me that people can change, and obstacles, no matter how big, can be overcome.
If you or someone you love is living with substance use disorder, please reach out to the Recovery Resource Hub at 256-539-7339. There is help and there is hope.
If you would like to support Partnership's programs, make your investment here.
Teresa Taylor-Duncan is an officer with the Madison Police Department and a long-time Partnership board member.
There are some words that will stop a police officer in their tracks. After almost 20 years in law enforcement, most officers will find it unnerving to publicly experience strong emotions. We hone the skills of compartmentalizing pain and fear so that our most private selves are protected from abuse and disappointment. However, occasionally, someone or something edges into our psyche and touches us to our very core.
Today (November 22), I had the privilege of stopping by Big Spring Park as a board member for the Partnership for a Drug-Free Community. The board was helping to decorate the tree along the annual Tinsel Trail, and today was my day to hang some ornaments.
I won’t lie. It’s Monday, three days before a holiday, the last day of my on-call for the weekend, and I really didn’t feel the spirit of the upcoming holidays was upon me.
Deciding to just dig in and go, I drove to Big Spring Park and found my way to the Partnership tree. The silver, gold, and blue ornaments twisting in the cold November air reflected the bright sunlight. Yellow- and auburn-colored leaves fell against a blue sky and rustled on my boots as I stood next to the decorated tree. I posed with some new board members for the obligatory smiling social media photo op still feeling not much holiday spirit.
After the photos, Wendy Reeves, the executive director for Partnership, introduced me to the new board and staff members. As I greeted these ladies, one stood out as someone I thought I should know. In law enforcement, we often do a quick brain search and try to put the person we are meeting in the “did I arrest this person or did I meet them at the ballfield” categories.
My brain would not process the search, but the smiling blonde must have seen my confusion and said, “I am the spider lady.” Confusion still reigned and must have belied my usual “nice to meet you” greeting. Spider ladies are uncommon in my line of work, but she went on to say those four words that got my attention, “You saved my life.”
She introduced herself as Laura Edwards, peer support counselor for Partnership for a Drug-Free Community, and with a twinkle in her eye, said, “You arrested me in 2014, and if you had not, I would be dead now.”
It came back with a crash. In 2014, I was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit, and I and my partners stopped Ms. Edwards on the roadway. She was detained, and I sat her in the front seat of my vehicle where we talked while her car was inventoried for impound. We could see my partners checking off clothing, bags, and other items inside Laura’s car.
All at once, those two seasoned, tough cops jumped away from the back of Laura’s car and, in a not-so-cop-like fashion, squealed like little girls when a black widow spider decided to surrender. In that moment, I was not a cop interviewing a suspect; Laura and I were two girls laughing as my partners danced the death spider dance. I recall telling her that if she didn’t get off the drugs, she would not live to tell anyone the spider story.
After that, I have no recollection of what happened to Laura Edwards. I am sure she went to jail and her spider mobile was impounded, but beyond that, I was resigned to not knowing if my words or actions made an impact, until today when she stepped around that Christmas tree and re-introduced herself.
Laura was bright and clear-headed. She had hope in her heart and a twinkle in her eyes. She told me that she had been clean and sober for seven years and how her life had changed dramatically since that hot day in August of 2014. I felt such emotion for this young lady who has clearly worked hard to become a guiding light for others who are facing substance use disorder. While she is not my child, I felt the pride that a mother feels when she realizes, just maybe, that young person was listening.
Suddenly, I saw all the Christmas trees standing ready to be decorated, and a glimmer of hope for the future seemed to fill my spirit. I told the Partnership ladies that work called, and I had to leave. In all reality, my heart was just so full my emotions were about to be flowing down my face for everyone to see! I rushed to my car, walking through the crisp cold wind with tears in my eyes. Clearly, my cold, hard exterior had sprung a leak!
Laura Edwards, my pride in you is immeasurable. Your tenacity and strength have rewarded you with sobriety, but they have also reminded me that people can change, and obstacles, no matter how big, can be overcome.
If you or someone you love is living with substance use disorder, please reach out to the Recovery Resource Hub at 256-539-7339. There is help and there is hope.
If you would like to support Partnership's programs, make your investment here.
Teresa Taylor-Duncan is an officer with the Madison Police Department and a long-time Partnership board member.
11-30-21
click here to invest in partnership |
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Hope for the holidaysPartnership board members and staff share their thoughts on the nonprofit and what this year's Tinsel Trail tree means.
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Thank you to our sponsors, donors and Participating teams!
About the fire truck pull
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Hi Everyone! Wendy Reeves, executive director of Partnership here. I just want to say how much I enjoyed and appreciated seeing each and every person who showed up for the Pullin’ for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge with Madison Fire & Rescue on Tuesday, Oct. 26.
It was so much fun to see the smiles, laughter — and friendly competition that represented a small break in the midst of the world’s ongoing pandemic conditions. More than 200 people took an opportunity to forget stress and focus on being a team player to generate enough energy to pull a 46,000-pound fire truck 50 feet with a rope. For two-and-a-half hours on a beautiful, sunshine filled Tuesday afternoon, participants from a diverse range of occupations showed up to literally “pull” for our small nonprofit agency, Partnership for a Drug-Free Community. They also had a lot of fun in the process. There were five trophies up for grabs in the first-ever Pullin’ for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge with Madison Fire & Rescue. The event was held at the Madison Schools Stadium. The trophy winners were:
I understand the bragging rights are in full force with the winners. And strategies for next year are underway. We’ve had so many positive comments about the event that we will do it again next year, hopefully bigger and better! But the real winners are the youth who benefit from Partnership’s prevention and education services like the Youth Tobacco & Vaping Prevention Program, the Ozzie Opioid Prevention Programs (Ozzie OPPs), and Today’s Youth Tommorow’s Leaders Program (TYTL); and adults who have a substance use disorder who want help to find treatment options for addiction. All Partnership programs are provided free by a highly qualified staff. It warmed our hearts to see two young brothers who came to watch with their mom and grandmother. They took every opportunity possible to try to pull that truck and who knows what career dreams may have been inspired with Madison Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Brandy Williams giving them public safety coloring and activity sheets. A dream came true for DIRECTV employee Johnni Mohprasit who got to join a team of clowns from Rocket City Clown Alley. She became their 10th person to qualify for the pull. Earning a red clown nose for her effort, Johnni was beyond happy when she learned that she can become a clown and left with plans join the Rocket City Clown Alley group! |
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did you see Partnership in september?
Watch North ALabama's DRUG Addiction on Thursday, Sept. 16 on waay Tv-31
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Reporters Megan Reyna and Luke Hajdasz have spent months examining many aspects of substance use disorder in our community. The result is a series of stories called "North Alabama's Drug Addiction" that will air throughout the day on Thursday, Sept. 16. Content will also be available online As part of the coverage, Partnership's Recovery Resource Hub staff will be available to answer questions live from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
As we observe National Recovery Month throughout September, please take time to look through a special publication of The Redstone Rocket which focuses on recovery resources in our area.
UPDATE
TUESDAY OCTOBER, 26, 2021
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Pastor Dave Draper Jr., a longtime Partnership for a Drug-Free Community Board member, is celebrating a milestone 40th year of sobriety in July.
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Sharing the successAsk questions and be inspired by his story and a few others as we recognize the journey of those in recovery. A luncheon and panel discussion will be held:
Thursday, July 15, 2021 Noon to 1:30 p.m. Downtown Huntsville Library 915 Monroe Street The luncheon will include Pastor Dave’s favorite — Boar Hog Barbecue. The menu will include pulled chicken and pork, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and slaw. Cost is $15 & RSVP required at igfn.us/form/6dyIXA or by texting PARTNER to 91999 Deadline to register is July 9, 2021 For more information, contact Debby Bower at 256-539-7339 or by email at dbower@thedrugfreepartnership.org |
Teen Alcohol & Drug Use virtual Town Hall
It's time for the Take-Back!
TIME TO STOP?
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If you smoke or vape, have you thought about quitting? In Alabama, there are free resources available to help you stop. Learn more about the Alabama Quitline in this video where Ann Marie Martin, who is Partnership for a Drug-Free Community's Youth Tobacco & Vaping Prevention Manager, talks with Monica Moore. Moore is the Cessation Program Manager for the Alabama Department of Public Health's Tobacco Prevention and Control Department.
The Alabama Tobacco Quitline (1-800 Quit Now) is a free telephone and online coaching service for any Alabamian who is ready to quit tobacco. Information, referrals and counseling are confidential, and sessions are designed on a schedule convenient for the caller. Those who enroll in the counseling program can receive, if medically eligible, up to eight weeks of nicotine patches to assist in quitting. Call 1-800 Quit Now (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.quitnowalabama.com to enroll in the program. All services are free for Alabama residents. |
Partnership is offering a free planner to help you plan and keep your resolutions for 2021. A digital copy that you can download and print can be found on the Hub page. You may also email hub@thedrugfreepartnership.org to request a link for a digital copy.
The planner features inspirational quotes of hope for each month, along with spaces for goal setting, goal tracking and reflections on your progress. It starts with taking some time at the beginning of each month to think about what’s important to you in key areas of your life. There are even spaces for fun and trying something new each month. Next, there are spaces for you to consider action steps for how to accomplish your monthly goals. And finally, spaces for you to reflect on how you did and special notes you want to take. We are currently seeking funding to print the planners for distribution to all Hub clients and anyone in the community who would like one to assist with goal planning and tracking throughout the year. Make this your year, never losing sight of hope! |
COVID-19
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More about Mike and having HOPE
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Oct. 20, 2020 — Congratulations to Huntsville Ballet, winner of the 2020 Nonprofit of the Year by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce at its 35th Annual Small Business Awards! Partnership for a Drug-Free Community is honored to be among those nominated for Nonprofit of the Year
All nonprofits nominated this year include:
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Please Join Us
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Partnership's Recovery Resource Hub Peer Support Specialist Mike Woods and ASAM Assessor Danielle Hill, along with all of the Partnership and Hub staff invite you to stop by to learn more about what resources are available in our area.
More details on Recovery Resource Fair
Mayor Tommy Battle recognizes recovery Month in Huntsville
Welcome Mike Woods!
Meet Mike Woods. He is a new peer support specialist with Partnership's Recovery Resource Hub.
Mike has been working with us for the past couple of weeks. He is replacing Patrick Laney, who we wish the best as he is pursuing new avenues.
Mike has been a volunteer with Partnership since the Hub was just an idea in 2018. As someone in recovery for more than eight years, Mike has helped countless people through his personal ministry. He also helped develop the program as a member of the Hub’s Advisory Committee. We are happy to have him on the team as we grow the program and help people find the recovery resources they need.
The Hub is busy. We continue to offer assessments Monday-Friday. Let us know if we can help. A new schedule for Recovery Support Meetings will be announced in the coming weeks.
For now, you can reach Mike by calling the office, 256-539-7339 or by email at mike@thedrugfreepartnership.org
Be sure to watch our website, Facebook, and Twitter for new Hub updates in the coming weeks.
Mike has been working with us for the past couple of weeks. He is replacing Patrick Laney, who we wish the best as he is pursuing new avenues.
Mike has been a volunteer with Partnership since the Hub was just an idea in 2018. As someone in recovery for more than eight years, Mike has helped countless people through his personal ministry. He also helped develop the program as a member of the Hub’s Advisory Committee. We are happy to have him on the team as we grow the program and help people find the recovery resources they need.
The Hub is busy. We continue to offer assessments Monday-Friday. Let us know if we can help. A new schedule for Recovery Support Meetings will be announced in the coming weeks.
For now, you can reach Mike by calling the office, 256-539-7339 or by email at mike@thedrugfreepartnership.org
Be sure to watch our website, Facebook, and Twitter for new Hub updates in the coming weeks.
Call Partnership's Recovery Resource Hub for help finding treatment
256-539-7339 or state hotline 844-307-1760
Partnership and the Madison County Coroner discuss with Fred Holland the current state of the opioid epidemic in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in our county. Hear the full interview.
Special agent trainingWho will be the first Ozzie OPPs Special Agent?
Interested in Ozzie OPPs Special Agent Training? Find details on Ozzie OPPs page
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Ann Light, Partnership's interim associate director, and Karren Crowson, Partnership board secretary, picked up 1,000 new safe disposal pouches on Monday, May 11. Partnership will distribute in Huntsville, Madison and Madison County as part of its drug prevention, education and awareness outreach activities.
Leidos, CADCA Lead Coalition to Provide Safe Drug Disposal Pouch Distribution in Huntsville
(Huntsville, Ala.) May 8, 2020 – Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, and it’s wholly-owned subsidiary Dynetics, are teaming up with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), the Alabama Department of Mental Health and WellStone Behavioral Health to provide 19,600 drug deactivation (safe disposal) pouches to communities throughout Huntsville, Ala.
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn are negatively affecting the mental health of many and creating new barriers for those suffering from substance use disorders. This initiative will help support community awareness efforts in the state of Alabama and help community members safely dispose of unused prescription drugs found in homes. This distribution coincides with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Prevention Week.
“People are at the center of our business, and just as we support the mental health of our colleagues, we must support the communities in which we live and work,” said Roger Krone, Leidos Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. “We are honored to collaborate with the Huntsville community and our coalition teammates to enable the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of excess drugs, and to more broadly impact our goal of improving mental wellness, especially as we collectively combat COVID-19.”
Beginning Monday, May 11th the pouches will be provided to the following community organizations throughout Huntsville for further distribution:
- Partnership for a Drug-Free Community
- Alabama A&M University
- Boys and Girls Club of North Alabama
- University of Alabama Huntsville
- Oakwood University
- Union Chapel M.B. Church
- Drake State College
- Union Hill P.B. Church
- Calhoun Community College
- First Baptist Church
- Huntsville Housing Authority
- WEUP Radio
- WHRP Radio
- WJAB Radio
- WZYP Radio
- WLOR Radio
- Downtown Rescue Mission
“During this challenging time, we are more committed than ever to providing prevention resources to those that need them and helping to create and maintain safe, health and drug-free communities globally,” said General Arthur T. Dean, Chairman and CEO, CADCA.
“The potential for prevention of drug misuse and the protection of the Huntsville area’s children and adults from overdose is immense through this generous donation of drug disposal pouches. We applaud Leidos for their generosity are thankful for this public and private partnership to support prevention efforts,” said Commissioner Lynn Beshear, Alabama Department of Mental Health.
Leidos maintains a large presence in Huntsville and actively supports communities across the world where its employees live and work. With the recent acquisition of Huntsville-based Dynetics, Leidos has pledged $100,000 to bring its anti-opioid campaign to the region. Through the program, Leidos hopes to keep nearly 1 million pills off the streets.
By collaborating with the Alabama Department of Mental Health and WellStone Behavioral Health, Leidos and CADCA hope to help convey the importance of comprehensive community strategies to successfully fight this crisis.
If you are a member of the press interested in covering this event via video call, please reach out to Bailey Martin at bmartin@cadca.org to coordinate.
Note: We are acting in accordance with all local, state and federal health regulations that the community of Huntsville, AL, and our federal agency partners, have set forward in light of COVID-19. As a result, the safe disposal pouches will be dispersed to community organizations through a combination of a socially-distanced pick-up and a delayed drop-off, to ensure everyone's safety in this process.
#GivingTuesday, we believe that sharing your generosity inspires others - it can't be replicated if it just stays with you. Share your kindness using #GivingTuesday and let's create a wave of generosity around the world. Join Partnership's 24 Hours of Gratitude on Facebook and Twitter — #24HoursofGratittude.
If you are an individual who wants to give back, there are many ways to do so. #GivingTuesdayNow is about giving of all types -- some may choose to give a financial contribution to their favorite cause or a fundraising drive, others will opt to reach out to neighbors, start an advocacy campaign, donate goods or extra supplies, share gratitude to frontline workers and those keeping us safe. If you can show generosity and share kindness, you have something to give! Together we stand. We're united with our global community for #GivingTuesdayNow. Let's give back and show our strength: To support Partnership, text PARTNER to 91999.
Find a drop box near you
While we're sheltering in place because of COVID-19, we've heard from many people who are catching up on serious spring cleaning. When it comes to medicine cabinets or drawers, people in Huntsville, Madison and Madison County have many options to safely get rid of old or outdated medications with Medication Drop Boxes. Partnership's staff compiled a comprehensive list of locations and times you can use and practice safe social distancing. Once medications are placed in the drop boxes, they are property disposed of by law enforcement.
Partnership’s Recovery Resource Hub starts Feb. 3, 2020
Partnership for a Drug-Free Community will make it easier for people with substance abuse issues to find help through a new program announced Tuesday, Jan. 7, during an announcement at the Partnership office.
Partnership’s Recovery Resource Hub starts on Feb. 3. The program will provide an impartial one-stop shop where people with substance abuse issues can talk to a State Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and receive an assessment to determine the level of care needed. Treatment options will be based on that assessment.
Wendy Reeves, Partnership’s interim executive director, said the goals include:
Overdose-related deaths may be on the rise locally, according to Madison County Coroner Tyler Berryhill. There were 82 potential overdose deaths in 2019. Of those, 49 deaths were confirmed to be overdoses. The remaining 33 suspected drug toxicity cases are pending toxicology tests, Berryhill said.
There were 61 overdose deaths in 2016 compared to 73 in 2017 and 72 in 2018.
“People need help getting to the resources available to help them,” Reeves said. “During our annual forums on drug abuse, we heard parents talk about the struggles they faced trying to help their young adult children deal with substance abuse disease, only to see their children die. Their stories just broke our hearts.
“Partnership has been the community’s leader in drug abuse prevention and education for 31 years,” she said,” so we knew we had to do something about this. Throughout 2019, we researched and worked on this program and came up with this plan with the help of a lot of advisors.”
Along with assisting people into treatment, the Hub will also be an information resource for families and friends trying to handle the stresses that come with having a loved one who is addicted.
Funding for the new program has been provided by the Jane K. Lowe Foundation, City of Huntsville, the Huntsville Housing Authority, Colsa Corporation, Damson Automotive Group, State Sen. Arthur Orr, and State Reps. Laura Hall, Rex Reynolds and Howard Sanderford. Partnership is still seeking funding to support the program.
The Recovery Resource Hub will utilize a statewide helpline, paid for by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Helpline is staffed by the Recovery Organization of Support Specialists (ROSS). The Helpline can be reached at 1-844-307-1760, and is available 24/7. Partnership’s office can be reached at 256-539-7339, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. All calls are confidential. No drug test is required.
Partnership’s Recovery Resource Hub starts on Feb. 3. The program will provide an impartial one-stop shop where people with substance abuse issues can talk to a State Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and receive an assessment to determine the level of care needed. Treatment options will be based on that assessment.
Wendy Reeves, Partnership’s interim executive director, said the goals include:
- Helping people find the treatment they need for substance abuse disorder so they can lead a healthier life,
- Reducing the number of overdoses and deaths in the community,
- Impacting the economy in a positive way because people are employed while in recovery.
Overdose-related deaths may be on the rise locally, according to Madison County Coroner Tyler Berryhill. There were 82 potential overdose deaths in 2019. Of those, 49 deaths were confirmed to be overdoses. The remaining 33 suspected drug toxicity cases are pending toxicology tests, Berryhill said.
There were 61 overdose deaths in 2016 compared to 73 in 2017 and 72 in 2018.
“People need help getting to the resources available to help them,” Reeves said. “During our annual forums on drug abuse, we heard parents talk about the struggles they faced trying to help their young adult children deal with substance abuse disease, only to see their children die. Their stories just broke our hearts.
“Partnership has been the community’s leader in drug abuse prevention and education for 31 years,” she said,” so we knew we had to do something about this. Throughout 2019, we researched and worked on this program and came up with this plan with the help of a lot of advisors.”
Along with assisting people into treatment, the Hub will also be an information resource for families and friends trying to handle the stresses that come with having a loved one who is addicted.
Funding for the new program has been provided by the Jane K. Lowe Foundation, City of Huntsville, the Huntsville Housing Authority, Colsa Corporation, Damson Automotive Group, State Sen. Arthur Orr, and State Reps. Laura Hall, Rex Reynolds and Howard Sanderford. Partnership is still seeking funding to support the program.
The Recovery Resource Hub will utilize a statewide helpline, paid for by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Helpline is staffed by the Recovery Organization of Support Specialists (ROSS). The Helpline can be reached at 1-844-307-1760, and is available 24/7. Partnership’s office can be reached at 256-539-7339, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. All calls are confidential. No drug test is required.
Be FreeEEE, Be MEEEEEEE, Be Drug Free!!
Ozzie is on the move
Partnership staff is evaluating a two-month pilot of its new opioid prevention program provided to nearly 350 area youth during the summer.
The Ozzie OPPs teaches students ages 7 through 18 all about opioids, along with strategies to deal with pain and stress through exercise, consistent nutritional habits, and healthier lifestyles. After the pilot program, students were able to discuss their experiences about medication misuse or prescription drug abuse.
With Ozzie the ostrich mascot and program materials in tow, the staff and volunteers presented the pilot to local Boys & Girls clubs and Village of Promise.
“We had so much fun,” said Jacqueline Carter, who developed the curriculum for Ozzie OPPs. “The students were engaged, and they learned about opioids and more.”
Carter created a short song called “Be Drug Free!” which includes a catchy chorus, “be free, be me, be drug free.”
Carter overheard a conversation between a young boy and girl in which the boy told the girl she needed to change the wallpaper on her cell phone because it was boring. She replied to him if her picture was boring to him that’s OK because it was a picture of her and "it’s OK to be me."
“I loved it," Carter said. "The girl has a shy nature and to see her develop that kind of boldness over the four weeks we worked with them was rewarding."
Carter is an AmeriCorps VISTA member who is in charge of program development. She has been assisted by fellow VISTA members Ashley Mahanna and Brandy Wilkerson. Volunteers and Partnership staff also helped with the summer program.
Key components of the program also include:
Any church or organization interested in the Ozzie OPPs program may contact the Partnership office at 256-539-7339.
The Ozzie OPPs teaches students ages 7 through 18 all about opioids, along with strategies to deal with pain and stress through exercise, consistent nutritional habits, and healthier lifestyles. After the pilot program, students were able to discuss their experiences about medication misuse or prescription drug abuse.
With Ozzie the ostrich mascot and program materials in tow, the staff and volunteers presented the pilot to local Boys & Girls clubs and Village of Promise.
“We had so much fun,” said Jacqueline Carter, who developed the curriculum for Ozzie OPPs. “The students were engaged, and they learned about opioids and more.”
Carter created a short song called “Be Drug Free!” which includes a catchy chorus, “be free, be me, be drug free.”
Carter overheard a conversation between a young boy and girl in which the boy told the girl she needed to change the wallpaper on her cell phone because it was boring. She replied to him if her picture was boring to him that’s OK because it was a picture of her and "it’s OK to be me."
“I loved it," Carter said. "The girl has a shy nature and to see her develop that kind of boldness over the four weeks we worked with them was rewarding."
Carter is an AmeriCorps VISTA member who is in charge of program development. She has been assisted by fellow VISTA members Ashley Mahanna and Brandy Wilkerson. Volunteers and Partnership staff also helped with the summer program.
Key components of the program also include:
- What is an opioid?
- How an opioid impacts the body
- Possessing positive self-esteem
- Becoming self-aware
- Working in a group
- Solving problems
- Resolving conflict
- Practicing sportsmanship
- Building communication skills
Any church or organization interested in the Ozzie OPPs program may contact the Partnership office at 256-539-7339.
Taking it back --
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Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray announces new drop box at the North Precinct.
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Another tool to keep opioids off the streets was announced Monday, June 3 as the North Precinct of the Huntsville Police Department unveiled its new drop box location.
Since Partnership initiated the Prescription Medication Take Back events in 2010, more than 24,000 pounds of old or unwanted pills have been destroyed.
The most recent Take Back event was held April 27, when 1,620 pounds of old and outdated medications were destroyed after being collected at various locations in Huntsville, Madison, Alabama A&M University, and throughout Madison County.
In addition to the semi-annual take-back events, residents can drop-off old or unwanted medications at drop box locations throughout the county. During the first quarter of 2019, the drug take back bin at Huntsville police headquarters at 815 Wheeler Ave. collected 554 pounds of medications, the largest amount recorded in one quarter since the program started.
Drop boxes are located throughout Madison County for those who don't want to wait for a take back event. Locations at Madison police, Alabama A&M police, and the Wheeler Avenue location for Huntsville police departments are open and accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Other locations are open during regular business hours. Dropbox locations include:
HUNTSVILLE
MADISON
MADISON COUNTY
Since Partnership initiated the Prescription Medication Take Back events in 2010, more than 24,000 pounds of old or unwanted pills have been destroyed.
The most recent Take Back event was held April 27, when 1,620 pounds of old and outdated medications were destroyed after being collected at various locations in Huntsville, Madison, Alabama A&M University, and throughout Madison County.
In addition to the semi-annual take-back events, residents can drop-off old or unwanted medications at drop box locations throughout the county. During the first quarter of 2019, the drug take back bin at Huntsville police headquarters at 815 Wheeler Ave. collected 554 pounds of medications, the largest amount recorded in one quarter since the program started.
Drop boxes are located throughout Madison County for those who don't want to wait for a take back event. Locations at Madison police, Alabama A&M police, and the Wheeler Avenue location for Huntsville police departments are open and accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Other locations are open during regular business hours. Dropbox locations include:
HUNTSVILLE
- Madison County Sheriff's Office Annex, 715 Wheeler Ave.
- Huntsville Public Safety Complex, 815 Wheeler Ave.
- Huntsville Police North Precinct, 4014 N. Memorial Parkway
- Huntsville Police South Precinct, 7900 Bailey Cove Road SE
- Alabama A&M Department of Public Safety, 453 Campus Road
- Hunnington Pharmacy, 11220 S. Memorial Parkway
- Medical Mall Pharmacy, 1963 S. Memorial Parkway
- Propst Discount Drugs, 717 Pratt Ave.
- Star Market Discount Pharmacy, 704 Pratt Ave.
- Star Market Discount Pharmacy, 7900 Bailey Cove Road SE
MADISON
- Madison Police Department, 100 Hughes Road
- Sure Save Pharmacy, 30694 US 72 W
- Walgreens, 7813 US 72 W
- Star Market Discount Pharmacy, 8020 US 72 W
MADISON COUNTY
- Star Market Discount Pharmacy, 12078 US 231/431 N
Get ready for Ozzie —
a super cute and cuddly ostrich with a message about opioids
Partnership's new Ozzie OPPs curriculum is being piloted over the summer with several Boys & Girls Clubs locations in Huntsville. The new program was launched on Monday, June 3 at the James A. Lane Center with AmeriCorps VISTA members Jacqueline Carter, Brandy Wilkerson, and Ash Mahanna; and Wendy Reeves, Partnership's public relations and grants manager.
The Ozzie OPPs curriculum was developed by Carter and includes specialized programs for youth in elementary, middle and high school. It will be taught throughout the summer helping students learn to make good choices and to understand what opioids are, how they impact the body, and the consequences of using them.
The Ozzie OPPs curriculum was developed by Carter and includes specialized programs for youth in elementary, middle and high school. It will be taught throughout the summer helping students learn to make good choices and to understand what opioids are, how they impact the body, and the consequences of using them.
ATTENTION PARENTS:
Come to Madison City Hall on Tuesday, April 30 from 6 to 7 p.m. to learn more about the electronic nicotine devices youth are using in record numbers.
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Thank you Sheriff DorningAnd welcome new board membersPartnership Executive Director Candice Dunaway honors the service of Madison County Sheriff Blake Dorning with the Spirit of Partnership Award following his recent retirement. Dorning has always been a strong supporter of Partnership's efforts, Dunaway said at the Winter Board meeting.
Two new board members were sworn in at the meeting including new Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner and Dr. Edward Soule, husband of the late Deborah Soule, Partnership's founder and longtime executive director. |
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Welcome Americorps ViSTA MEMBERS |
From left, Jacqueline Carter, Silla Dixon, Ash Mahanna, and Brandy Wilkerson
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Partnership for a Drug-Free Community is boosting resources to
address the opioid crisis with new staff members through the AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program. The VISTA members are dedicating themselves to help the agency build its capacity to strengthen its prevention and education efforts in the community, says Candice Dunaway, executive director. The move is possible for the nonprofit that serves Huntsville, Madison and Madison County thanks to a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service. The federal agency leads service, volunteering, and grant-making efforts in the U.S. More than 980,000 Americans have given more than 1.4 billion hours of service through AmeriCorps, helping millions of our nation’s most-vulnerable citizens. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions. “In recent years, funding issues have forced us to reduce staffing and hours,” Dunaway says. “At the same time, our community has been hard hit by the opioid crisis, and we need to do more. We are very thankful for this grant opportunity to add these amazing, highly qualified VISTA workers to help us build capacity and do a better job of serving our community.” |
new
youth tobacco initiative begins
january 2019
Partnership awarded $87,000 grant from
Alabama department of public health to
focus on youth tobacco, e-cigs, Juuls
E-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems, like JUULs, are surging in popularity with youth. The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community is adding a program to address the issue locally through a grant from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
The Partnership has been awarded an $87,000 grant to be used for youth tobacco prevention programs in Huntsville, Madison and Madison County, says Candice Dunaway, executive director. The grant program includes a curriculum developed by Stanford Medical School, which will be taught to local youth in grades 6-12.
Earlier this month, Monitoring the Future, an annual survey of American teenagers’ drug use sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and conducted by the University of Michigan, reported that teen use of e-cigarettes soared in 2018.
The survey, which polls eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders across the country, found the rise in nicotine vaping was the largest spike for any substance recorded by the study in 44 years. The survey also found that many students believe they are vaping “just flavoring.” In fact, just about all brands include nicotine, and Juul has particularly high levels of it.
Currently, some 3.6 million middle- and high-school students are now vaping regularly, according to a CDC study released last month.
As part of the new Partnership program, a youth advocacy team is being assembled. Applications are being accepted for the Youth Tobacco Initiative (YTI). The group’s first meeting is planned for Jan. 19 at the Partnership office on Clinton Avenue. Partnership is in the process of contacting local school systems to get applications and information about the program to school counselors. Any interested student can download a copy of the application on the Partnership website.
Dunaway says Ann Marie Martin has been named the project coordinator for the tobacco prevention and control grant. She has previously been communications director for the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, and was a writer and editor with The Huntsville Times. She has worked and volunteered with youth throughout her career.
“Smoking and tobacco use in general have been on the back burner for a few years. Now these new nicotine devices have emerged, and we’re seeing deceptive marketing techniques similar to those once used by cigarette makers,” Martin says. “Youth are being lured into thinking these new trendy devices are safe. Our goal is to educate students about the health risks of using devices like JUULs.”
The Partnership has been awarded an $87,000 grant to be used for youth tobacco prevention programs in Huntsville, Madison and Madison County, says Candice Dunaway, executive director. The grant program includes a curriculum developed by Stanford Medical School, which will be taught to local youth in grades 6-12.
Earlier this month, Monitoring the Future, an annual survey of American teenagers’ drug use sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and conducted by the University of Michigan, reported that teen use of e-cigarettes soared in 2018.
The survey, which polls eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders across the country, found the rise in nicotine vaping was the largest spike for any substance recorded by the study in 44 years. The survey also found that many students believe they are vaping “just flavoring.” In fact, just about all brands include nicotine, and Juul has particularly high levels of it.
Currently, some 3.6 million middle- and high-school students are now vaping regularly, according to a CDC study released last month.
As part of the new Partnership program, a youth advocacy team is being assembled. Applications are being accepted for the Youth Tobacco Initiative (YTI). The group’s first meeting is planned for Jan. 19 at the Partnership office on Clinton Avenue. Partnership is in the process of contacting local school systems to get applications and information about the program to school counselors. Any interested student can download a copy of the application on the Partnership website.
Dunaway says Ann Marie Martin has been named the project coordinator for the tobacco prevention and control grant. She has previously been communications director for the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, and was a writer and editor with The Huntsville Times. She has worked and volunteered with youth throughout her career.
“Smoking and tobacco use in general have been on the back burner for a few years. Now these new nicotine devices have emerged, and we’re seeing deceptive marketing techniques similar to those once used by cigarette makers,” Martin says. “Youth are being lured into thinking these new trendy devices are safe. Our goal is to educate students about the health risks of using devices like JUULs.”
Middle and high school students are eligible to apply from any school in Madison County, Huntsville and Madison. Download application
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JUUL - do you know what it is?
Town Hall on drug trends 2018
Video of Town Hall Panelists
Legacy fun day 2018
Sharing FACTs with new jerusalem MB Church
On Tuesday, June 5, members of New Jerusalem MB Church invited speakers Karren Crowson, pharmacist and Partnership Board secretary and Candice Dunaway, executive director, for a presentation on the opioid epidemic and other prescription medication trends.
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check out our new location
We've moved from our Five Points location to 2201 Clinton Avenue at the Seminole Drive intersection, near the Huntsville Police Department's West Precinct
Check out our new office space
Check out our new office space
The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community's Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Leaders is influencing young people as well as adults to better understand the impact and dangers of prescription pill abuse and the resurgence of heroin. This youth-oriented media awareness program, Today’s Youth –Tomorrow’s Leaders.
WELCOME ...
Are you searching for something specific pertaining to youth substance abuse? If so, read all about us. We may be able to help you. Most likely, many of you who are visiting this website are parents or grandparents concerned about the different drugs that you are reading about in the media. We share your concern. That's why we're here. We are the drug prevention agency for Huntsville, Madison, Madison County, and even North Alabama. Take a look around our site. If you can't find what you're looking for here, feel free to call us. We'll do our best to help.
256-539-7339.