HC DrugFree Launches New Initiative "Be a Parent, Not a Friend"

HC DrugFree, a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower the Howard County community by providing drug and alcohol education and prevention services, has launched a new initiative on behalf of the Howard County Alcohol Coalition. The campaign, called “Be a Parent, Not a Friend,” seeks to educate parents and other adults about the risks and consequences of providing alcohol to underage youth and the hazards of underage drinking.

A web-based network will be established for Howard County residents to work together to reduce youth access to alcohol. Local law enforcement, school officials, substance abuse professionals and parents were interviewed to develop videos on topics such as: substance use and abuse, tips for parents, the Howard County Public School System code of conduct, law enforcement and social availability, which will be available to residents to view online at www.hcdrugfree.org.

“HC DrugFree, on behalf of the Howard County Alcohol Coalition, is expanding our reach to parents through the use of technology,” said Joan Webb Scornaienchi, executive director of HC DrugFree. “Our newly created videos will allow busy parents to receive guidance about how to address drug and alcohol issues and other valuable information without leaving their children or the comfort of their homes.”

Funding for the “Be a Parent, Not a Friend” campaign was provided by the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration (formerly known as the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration) through the Maryland Strategic Prevention Framework grant.

“HC DrugFree is able to educate and advocate for change in Howard County because of the many committed Alcohol Coalition partners standing with us, but especially the Howard County Health Department, police, state’s attorney’s office, courts, school system, treatment providers, students and parents. Together, we work to empower parents and keep youth safe,” Scornaienchi said.

For details and to view videos, visit www.hcdrugfree.org.