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.
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Now providing help for those with Substance Use DisorderCORONAVIRUS COVID-19 RESPONSE
FREE VIRTUAL RECOVERY SUPPORT MEETINGS  Patrick Laney
In response to current public health concerns, the Partnership staff is now working remotely with a few exceptions. Our newest program, the Recovery Resource Hub, will continue operations. We are monitoring the processes at state treatment facilities to determine what types of services will be available to those seeking treatment. We are also communicating with the State Department of Mental Health on all of the legal requirements to provide virtual assessments in the near future, if possible.
Meanwhile, we have come up with a plan to safely continue providing state assessments at our office — for as long as we can. Anyone looking for recovery resources should contact Partnership's Hub at 256-539-7339, the State's 24/7 Helpline at 844-307-1760 — or contact Patrick Laney, our peer recovery support specialist, at 256-572-2638. Starting Monday, March 23, the Hub began offering free Virtual Recovery Support meetings through the Zoom meeting platform. On Monday, April 27, the meetings moved to a more secure platform that can be found at: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://www.gotomeet.me/PartnershipDFC/hub_support New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/235093269 Meetings will be held at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Partnership’s mission is as important as ever, and we will continue to do everything we can to provide prevention and education on substance use to our community. Thank you for your continued support. |
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.