Drug Free DeSoto Coalition |

Welcome

We envision an informed, prosperous, and healthy family-oriented community, free from the ravages of substance misuse, that continues to maintain its unique character while working together to create opportunities for growth and success.

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Our Mission is to facilitate community collaboration, connect resources, develop innovative strategies and align actions to eliminate substance abuse in DeSoto County.

As leaders of Drug Free DeSoto, we want to make a difference by facilitating systemic change that will improve our community, by being knowledgeable and open to new ideas, by welcoming others to join to be part of the solution, and by being accountable and transparent in our actions.

Asya Shine

Coalition Coordinator

Deborah Silvernail

Board Member

Jodie DeLoach

Board Director

Luis Velasco

Board Member

Mike Provau

Board Member

Jessica Wilkes

Board Member

Leslie Bickett

Board Member

About

Drug-Free DeSoto Coalition (DFDC) connects non-profit, governmental, community-based organizations, and local businesses to promote system and community improvements for the benefit of youth and families in DeSoto County by working to reduce and eliminate illegal substance use. The coalition’s mission is to reduce drug use and abuse among DeSoto County’s youth, and over time, the community as a whole.

By responding to community conditions, DFDC will implement evidenced-based strategies that lead to measured, population-level reductions of substance abuse problems. By increasing awareness of the effects of drug use, strengthening collaboration among community partners, and mobilizing community-wide prevention efforts, it is our hope to become a wholesome outlet and resource for children, teens, and families who seek lives free from the burdens of drug and alcohol abuse.

We want you to know

DFDC priority area is underage drinking. According to the 2014 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS), 46.7% of students from age 10-17 have admitted to alcohol use.

It is important for the entire community to get on board with our efforts. In order to make the changes we want to see happen, there must be a community-wide effort in changing our county’s environment which is currently conducive to excessive substance abuse. These changes will encompass three areas: our community norms, the availability of substances, and our local regulations (policies).

The coalition has members of the County and City governmental agencies, the Public Health community, local law enforcement, teachers, administrators, student leaders, the faith-based community, parents, and others bringing their resources together to address these problems.

Project Graduation and Drug-Free DeSoto join forces to keep kids safe!

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D-Fy and Drug-Free DeSoto unite and bring awareness and events to the community!

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Parent and Youth Resources

Above the Influence

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Communities That Care Curriculum

Equips communities with information to create a public health prevention approach to target youth problem behaviors such as violence, delinquency, and substance abuse. Includes 50 PPTs that cover strategic consultation, training, and research-based tools.

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Drug Rehab

Provides information and answers for people fighting addiction.

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Keeping Your Teens Drug Free: A Family Guide

Discusses skills parents and caregivers can use to prevent illicit drug use among teens. Describes problems caused by marijuana, alcohol, and other substances; signs of drug use; and ways to enforce rules, give advice, and deal with teens caught using drugs.

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MADD - Power of Parents: Talking with Teens about Alcohol

For families struggling with how to address underage drinking, MADD’s Power of Parents High School Handbook and Power of Parents Middle School Handbook give parents the tools to start the conversation, set family rules and enforce consequences; includes free 15-minute online workshops with tips and tools for parents on how to talk with their children about alcohol.

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NIDA - Publications for Parents

Access a wealth of information and downloadable full-text publications for parents, on a range of topics, including addiction science, medical consequences, trends and statistics, and the link between drugs and HIV/AIDS.

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NIDA - Drugs: Shatter the Myths

Answers teens’ most frequently asked questions about drugs and abuse with scientific facts and engaging images.

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NIDA - Marijuana: Facts for Teens

Presented in question-and-answer format and targeted to teens, provides facts about marijuana and its potential harmful effects.

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Phoenix House

Phoenix House is committed to treating the whole person — and their families — with caring, qualified professionals in the fields of psychiatry, medicine, mental health, social work, education, and recovery support. Their teams of experts address underlying causes of substance abuse and behavioral patterns to guide clients toward lasting recovery.

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SAMHSA Research - Based Prevention Programs

Programs and campaigns offering information, training, and technical assistance to improve the quality and delivery of behavioral health services across the nation.

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RX Dangers

RxDangers.com aims to be your trusted resource, educating the public about all defective medical devices and dangerous medications that are available on the market today. We accomplish our mission by providing you with a one-stop resource where you can find comprehensive information about these defective drugs and medical devices.

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