NOPE Task Force (Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that was formed in Palm Beach County, Florida in 2004, to combat the illegal use of prescription drugs and narcotics, as well as other abused substances. We are comprised of community leaders and concerned families working to save lives.
The cornerstone of the NOPE mission is the high-impact, multimedia presentation that is delivered to middle and high school students. The NOPE presentation is purposefully blunt and evokes powerful emotions. The response from students, parents and teachers has been very positive. Many students reach out to NOPE's wealth of resources beyond the presentation and seek guidance for themselves or to get help for a friend.
This contemporary student program aims to raise awareness among all members of a campus community. The content focuses on actual and significant risks associated with combining any and all commonly abused drugs. The presentation includes overdose intervention/ prevention strategies and is intentionally tailored to include information about each university's unique efforts to mitigate the negative impact of alcohol and drug use on campus.
Parent and Community Forums
Drug prevention is a community issue. Each year, new studies indicate the vastness of drug use in our schools. NOPE realizes the importance for educators and parents to understand the issues related to drug use in order to learn how to make a difference in their childrens' lives. NOPE offers parents, caretakers and communities interactive presentations that inform participants about the reality our nation faces regarding substance abuse and overdose death, along with suggestions and parenting strategies to combat the issues.
Support Groups
NOPE partners with local agencies within Chapter locations to offer group emotional support services to families who have lost loved ones to drug related deaths. Groups meet once a month and are run by a mental health professional at no cost to group members.
Support Literature
The sudden loss of a loved one is painful and difficult. When that loss involves alcohol and/or other drugs, the survivors may also feel and experience the stigma associated with substance abuse. Too often the consequences of addiction are perceived as deserved and shameful, leaving families and friends to grieve in silence. The NOPE Coping with Sudden Loss booklet has been created to support survivors with information about grief, sudden loss, legal investigation and support resources.
Candle Light Vigil
The NOPE National Candle Light Vigil brings communities together each year during Red Ribbon Week to remember those lost to and suffering from substance abuse in an effort to bring awareness to the consequences our nation faces with the illegal use of prescription and illicit drugs. The NOPE Vigil strives to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction so that those suffering with the disease will openly seek help.
