Drug Free Stark County

Drug Free Stark County_StarkMHAR_Color 2016
The Drug Free Stark County community coalition began in 2006. Since that time, the coalition has achieved many milestones. The coalition has been recognized on the local and state level for its work in substance abuse prevention and community education and awareness.

The coalition works with members of the local community such as law enforcement personnel, school administrators, students, guidance counselors, health care workers, alcohol and drug treatment providers, the faith-based community and local business people. We have several committees in which these community representatives are involved.

Vision Stark County citizens will live in an educated, healthy community that is purposefully drug free.

Mission The mission of Drug Free Stark County is to promote a drug-free community by mobilizing diverse partnerships; developing, implementing and supporting environmental strategies; and increasing public awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Coalition Goals

  • To enhance and expand efforts to address the specific problems of underage drinking, tobacco and marijuana use by Stark County youth
  • To strengthen and mobilize collaboration that improves community efforts to promote and implement effective, research based prevention strategies
  • To reduce risk factors and promote protective factors that influence age of onset, substance use among youth, perceptions of risk or harm, and perception of disapproval of use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs

To achieve these goals, the coalition utilizes CADCA’s Seven Strategies for Effective Community Change. These strategies include:

  1. Provide Information
  2. Enhance Skills
  3. Provide Support
  4. Change Access / Barriers
  5. Change Consequences, Incentives/Disincentives
  6. Change Physical Design
  7. Modify & Change Policies

Coalition meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at StarkMHAR. Please join us to learn more about how you can help! Contact Justina Gorman, Coalition & Community Development Coordinator, at 330-455-6644 or Justina.Gorman@StarkMHAR.org.