Drug Free Communities
Goals
The goal of Drug Free Communities (DFC) is to reduce substance abuse among youth and over time, reduce substance abuse among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increases the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse.
DFC also strives to establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies, as well as federal, state, and local governments to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth.
Program Activities
We Partner with the Bogalusa City School System and Washington Parish School System to provide schools with prevention education resources.
Partners with both school systems to support the Washington Parish Youth Coalition by providing substance use awareness and education, leadership training, and opportunities for youth in grades 7-12.
The DFC program also partners with Florida Parishes Human Service Authority to provide Life Skills Training to 3rd and 6th graders, and Generation Rx to 4th graders in both school systems
Conducting youth education programs to inform students about risks and consequences of alcohol and marijuana use by youth.
Coordination of parish-wide Red Ribbon Week
Display and disseminate informational materials on underage drinking and marijuana use at health fairs and community events.
Promoting "Alcohol Free Family Friendly" zone on the MCCA Mardi Gras Parade route which is located on Avenue F in the area close to the library and hospital.
DFC Staff
Regina Meyerchick, Project Director
(985) 735-0160
Madelyn Champagne, Programs Coordinator
(985) 735-0160
LA Opioid Action Summit
Rusty Fornea and LaDarrick Smith co-present along with Generation RX at the LA Opioid Action Summit at The Harbor Center in Slidell, LA.
Rusty Fornea, ADAPT CEO, presents at the Louisiana Opioid Action Summit along with LaDarrick Smith. Opioids are a serious issue in our communities. It was good to see local, state, federal agencies and professionals so involved in working towards prevention and treatment
WP Youth Coalition Featured in National CADCA Publication
Washington Parish Youth Coalition has been featured on the cover of the national CADCA December newsletter. This national recognition is a prestigious accomplishment. LaDerrick Smith is featured on pages 10-11 for his continued work across the nation. We are making a difference in our community and nationally. To read more, click the newsletter on the left.
Prescription Drug Drop Box Project
ADAPT, Inc. joins forces with the Franklinton Police Department to get unused prescription drugs out of circulation. Rusty Fornea, Executive Director for ADAPT, presented Police Chief Justin Brown with a Prescription Drop Box to be housed at the Franklinton Police Department. The Drop Box project aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs that are no longer needed. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. Too often prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands which can be dangerous and tragic. It is strongly advised to dispose of medications that are no longer needed. Any citizen may drop off prescription drugs during regular operation hours at the Franklinton Police Department. This project was supported by Florida Parishes Human Service Authority (FPHSA) and Drug Free Communities (DFC).
LaDerrik Smith, CADCA Youth Trainer, represented Washington Parish's Youth Coalition in Grapevine, Texas as part of CADCA's 18th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute. Smith, along with fellow attendees, share their thoughts and stories.
Riverside Medical Center Tailgate - WPYC members educating the community on the dangers of drug use.
Bogalusa High School, Franklinton High School and Varnado High School Washington Parish Youth Coalition members at work bringing awareness to students, faculties and parents.
Washington Parish Free Fair
Washington Parish Youth Coalition members, sponsors, and the ADAPT team making an impact at the Washington Parish Free Fair by educating the community on addiction. We are changing Washington Parish one event at a time. Contact us for more information. dfc
NEWS: Increasing the minimum age of sale for tobacco products to at least 21 years old will significantly reduce youth tobacco use and save thousands of lives. Read more here.