District Health Department #2

The Drug Free Community Support Program (DFCSP) is an educational effort between the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Executive Office of the President and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Grants are awarded to community coalitions, such as DFCSP, from these federal programs. The Rural Prevention Network (comprised of Alcona Health Center, Sterling Area Health Center, St. Joseph Health System, and West Branch Regional Medical Center) is an advisory body that oversees federal, state, and local grant programs and activities on behalf of the individual agencies above.

District Health Department #2 received a Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant in 2000 to address issues of underage drinking and substance abuse in the five counties of Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, Ogemaw and Oscoda. The primary goals of the program include:
1. Establishment and strengthening of collaboration among communities, non-profit agencies, Federal, State, and local agencies and tribal governments to support efforts to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth; and
2. Reduce substance abuse among youth, and over time, adults by addressing risk factors in communities that increase risk of substance abuse.

Each of the five counties served by the DFCSP has a Drug Free Task Force. The goal of the Taskforce is to plan and implement activities within their communities. Anyone is welcome to join the Taskforce in their community. Activities include, but are not limited to the following:
o Parenting Awareness Month activities (March)
o Alcohol Awareness Month activities (April)
o Red Ribbon Week
o Great American Smokeout
o Iosco PRIDE activities
o Kick Butts Day
o Camp TGIF (Leadership Camp for students in grades 8-10)
o Social hosting awareness activities
o Town Hall meetings to increase awareness of underage drinking
 

To find out more information on the taskforce in your community please contact DHD2's health education department at (989) 343-1847.