HC DrugFree is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, with a mission of empowering the community to raise drug-free teens. Our vision is a Howard County where teens are DRUG-FREE BY CHOICE. HC DrugFree has an active Board of Directors and a staff of one, the Executive Director, Laura Smit.

HC DrugFree originated at Oakland Mills High School in 1995 as the Eastern Coalition Against Substance Abuse, to respond to the alarming number of teens using illegal substances - tobacco, alcohol and other drugs and to respond to the increase in drug-related problems in schools (truancy, violence, weapons, gangs) and in the community. The name was changed to HC DrugFree when high schools across the county became involved in providing substance abuse education. HC Drug Free, Inc. was incorporated in March of 2004, and was awarded 501(c)(3) non profit status by the IRS in October 2004.

HC DrugFree currently has a representative at most of the 12 high schools, some of the 19 middle schools and at Homewood Center. The duties of an HC DrugFree Representative are light. If your high or middle school does not have a Representative, please consider joining us to represent your school. Most frequently the School Representatives are on the PTSA Executive Board. Some schools have the HC DrugFree Representative as a Committee Chair. Other schools have a Health & Safety Chair be the School Representative.

We would like to especially thank the Horizon Foundation for making it possible for us to move from a volunteer-run coalition to a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors.

HC DrugFree collaborates with a variety of county agencies, organizations and private counselors to disseminate information and education to help teens avoid alcohol and other drugs. We have partnerships with:

Howard County Public School System
Howard County Library
The Serenity Center

HC DrugFree works in collaboration with:

Howard County Health Department, Substance Abuse Services
Horizon Foundation Connections
Recreation & Parks
Columbia Association
Volunteer Center Serving Howard County
Coalition for Healthy Youth
Integrative Counseling
Columbia Addictions Center - Teens at Risk
Horizon Councils
Howard County Police Department
Howard County Sheriff's Department
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Howard County Chapter PTAs - HCPSS Middle and High Schools
PTA Council of Howard County

HC DrugFree, Inc. Board of Directors 2007-2008
Officers Laurie Remer (Chair) Tina Owens (Vice-Chair) Steve Gershman (Treasurer) Jo Deaton (Secretary) Board Members Irene Bray Deepak Chadha Jessa Coulter (Youth on Board) Shaun Eddy Rob Freedman Steve Gershman Vincent Gutierrez (Youth on Board Alternate) Mark Heron Greg Hollingsworth Kyri Jacobs Mark Lenes Vonda Peterson Melvin Porter William Tucker Tammy Winters

HC DrugFree High School Representatives for 2007 - 2008
Atholton Sherri Berman Centennial Susan Fedors Susan Kuppers Lisa Pradhan Glenelg Vacant Hammond Tracy Lerer Howard Ann Smith-Reiser Long Reach Beth Dattaro Marriott’s Ridge Caroline Kessler Mt. Hebron Gloria & Gary Serrao Oakland Mills Dorothy Keehner Reservoir Jennifer Lamb-Taylor River Hill Susan Graham Bernadette Yu Wilde Lake Sharon Shoemaker Homewood Lisa Davis

HC DrugFree Middle School Representatives for 2007 - 2008

Bonnie Branch Cindy Dyer Burleigh Manor Susan Fedors Clarksville vacant Cradlerock K – 8 vacant Dunloggin MS vacant Elkridge Landing Charlene Daniel-Green Folly Quarter vacant Glenwood vacant Hammond Debbie Rivkin Harper’s Choice vacant Lime Kiln vacant Mayfield Woods vacant Mount View vacant Murray Hill vacant Oakland Mills vacant Patapsco Tina Owens Patuxent Valley vacant Wilde Lake Laurie Diener

If you're interested in being an HC DrugFree Representative for your middle school, please contact Laura Smit at hcdrugfree@yahoo.com. You can review the duties of an HC DrugFree Representative.

Copyright © 2008 Howard County Drug Free
10451 Twin Rivers Rd., Suite 404, Columbia, MD 21044
Phone & Fax: 443-325-0040
hcdrugfree@yahoo.com

Site design and maintenance by: