Drug Free Communities is a federally funded grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that focuses on strengthening community coalitions through collaboration to work toward preventing and reducing substance abuse among youth as well as reduce substance abuse among adults. The DFC’s goal is to support the Broome Opioid Abuse Council in these efforts by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the protective factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse.
The DFC uses the Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) Survey that is administered biannually to students in grades 7th through 12th in Broome County to measure substance use, protective factors, and risk factors as well as high-risk behaviors. This data is also used to educate youth and families about substance use, host alternative activities and events that provide a drug-free safe environment, and use the data collected for future Grant writing. The DFC collaborates closely with Broome County Promise Zone to work with our local public schools in these efforts.
Relevant Websites:
PSA: BOAC's Drug Free Communities - Airing on WBNG-TV
Behind the scenes of the PSA filming
