HC DrugFree

08/09/2025

☀️ HC DrugFree is out in the community this summer!

From youth programs to community conversations, we’re meeting face-to-face with the people who make Howard County great.

📸 This month, we were honored to speak with future leaders at Leadership U, sharing important messages about prevention, wellness, and the power of youth voices.

08/08/2025

🚫 THC + Driving = A Dangerous Mix

Even if ma*****na is legal where you live, driving under the influence of THC is never safe. It slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and puts everyone on the road at risk.

🛑 Drive sober—every time. Your choices behind the wheel matter.

And remember: all substances—including THC products and medications—should be stored safely and securely. Keep them out of reach of children, teens, and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.

✅ Be safe. Be responsible. Protect those you love.

08/07/2025

🌟 Howard County teens: Ready to step up and stand out this school year?

Join HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) — a safe, supportive space where students in grades 8–12 can build leadership skills, earn service hours, and make a real impact in their schools and communities.

💬 TAC members help plan and promote educational events, create teen-focused content, and discuss real issues like stress, substance use, and mental health — all while gaining experience that looks great on college and job applications.

✔ Open to all Howard County middle and high school students
✔ Flexible online meetings
✔ No cost to join — just your voice and commitment!

➡️ Ready to lead? Apply today at https://forms.gle/VR6zTttPSn7dTSt9A

08/04/2025

🚨 Calling all Howard County teens! Want to make a real difference, earn service hours, and build leadership skills? Join HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council! 🧠💬
📅 New school year = new opportunities to get involved!
✅ Open to all HoCo students in grades 8–12

🔗 Register now: https://buff.ly/lSBxHfd

08/02/2025

Wondering about the risks of teen medicine misuse and its potential impact on your family's well-being? Dea.gov want you to stay informed, learn how to keep your loved ones safe, and read about resources in this article: https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/.../how-teens-misuse...

08/01/2025

👋 Hey Howard County teens!
Make your voice heard. Gain leadership skills. Make friends.
Join HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council this school year!
🎓 Grades 8–12 welcome
🖊️ Sign up today: https://buff.ly/XRvAN2y

07/25/2025

🎉 988 Lifeline Turns 3! 🎉
In just 3 years, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline has answered 15 million+ calls, texts & chats—saving lives and offering hope to people in crisis across the U.S. 💛

📞 Call or text 988
💬 Chat at 988Lifeline.org

🧠 98% of callers said the call helped. 88% said it stopped them from attempting su***de.

You are not alone. Help is always just 3 digits away.

Read Our Article Here: https://buff.ly/5AjQzJ5

***dePrevention

07/23/2025

ABC News just uncovered a surge of “flashy new” illicit vapes flooding U.S. markets: disguised as backpacks, smartphone cases, highlighters, and even handheld game consoles, all to target and slip by unsuspecting teens. These gadgets are not only flashy but packed with dangerous ni****ne levels—some contain as much as 35 packs of ci******es in a single device.

🔍 In 2024, U.S. Customs & Border Protection seized over $34 million worth of illegal vapes—and already another $60 million in just the first half of 2025

Why this matters:

-These stylish devices are deliberately designed to avoid detection, making them dangerously appealing to kids.
-Teens may unknowingly inhale highly addictive ni****ne, despite flavor bans.
-Parents and educators need to stay vigilant—these are hiding in plain sight.

🔗 👉 Read more to stay informed and keep kids safe: https://abcnews.go.com/US/inside-crackdown-flashy-new-generation-illicit-vapes-targeting/story?id=123768536

📣 Spread the word to protect our youth.

U.S. officials are cracking down on a surge of sophisticated new illicit va**ng products that are flooding U.S. markets, an ABC News investigation has found.

07/19/2025

🗣️ High school students—your voice matters!

Join HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) and be part of a group of motivated teens working to make a real difference in your community.

✅ Earn service hours
✅ Build leadership + public speaking skills
✅ Boost your resume
✅ Connect with students across Howard County

📌 Open to students in grades 9–12
💬 Meetings are virtual and flexible!

Apply now and help shape a healthier, stronger Howard County: https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/

07/18/2025

🚨 FAKE PILLS = REAL DANGER 🚨

In a powerful new PSA, McGruff shares the truth about fake prescription pills. They may look harmless, but many are laced with deadly drugs like fentanyl or even animal tranquilizers (xylazine). One pill. One time. That’s all it takes. 💊☠️

🎥 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/5TbeViKr5dU

✅ Take action:
-Only take medications prescribed to YOU
- Always verify the safe storage of meds to keep your family safe!
-Talk to friends & family about pill safety
-Join us for drug take-back events
-Share this post to spread the message

Don’t risk your life for a fake pill. Stay smart. Stay safe.

07/18/2025

🧠 You teach your kids right from wrong, let us help with the rest.

HC DrugFree’s Life Skills classes reinforce the values you're teaching at home, with lessons on:
✔️ Healthy decision-making
✔️ Managing emotions
✔️ Avoiding risky behaviors like va**ng and alcohol

📅 July 21–24 & 28–31 | ⏰ 10–11:30 AM | 💻 Zoom
🎯 Grades 6–12 students welcome!

Register here: https://buff.ly/SKEnr12

07/17/2025

Are you IN THE KNOW about cannabis?

Cannabis refers to products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant species, including those containing THC that are often smoked or consumed for its psychoactive effects. Cannabis products can be used medically, but abuse can impair memory, concentration, and coordination.

Learn more: https://hcdrugfree.org/cannabis/