Substance Abuse Prevention
Our Mission
To collaboratively engage, inform, and unite our communities in the reduction of substance abuse through prevention efforts. By fostering partnerships across sectors, promoting education and awareness, and supporting healthy alternatives, we strive to build resilient communities where every individual has the knowledge, resources, and connections they need to make positive choices.
Our Vision
A healthier and safer Ontario County where families thrive, young people are empowered to make positive choices, and communities come together to support lasting well-being
Safe Medication Disposal
We have many drop boxes for unused or expired medications located throughout Ontario County. To find one near you, or to learn what can be put in the drop boxes, click below.
What People Ask Us
What is a coalition?
A coalition is a group of individuals, organizations, or entities that come together to achieve a common goal or address a shared concern, which is often too complex for any one group to tackle alone.
A community coalition has 12 sectors that help ensure there are multiple perspectives and resources. These are: youth, parents, business community, media, schools, youth-serving organizations, law enforcement, religious or fraternal organizations, civic and volunteer groups, healthcare professionals, government agencies, and other organizations involved in reducing substance misuse.
What does the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition do?
We offer a variety of services to help prevent and address substance abuse in our community. These include medication take-back days, medication drop boxes, and providing educational resources to prevent adolescent substance misuse.
What is meant by substance abuse?
Substance abuse is defined by using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs in a way that negatively impacts a person’s health, relationships, or ability to function in daily life. This can include over-the-counter, prescription, legal, or illegal substances.
How do drugs affect your mental health?
Substance abuse disorders, whether it’s illegal, legal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol, can impact your ability to function at work, in school, or in relationships. Often, people with a substance abuse disorder experience depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders, while people who experience mental health challenges may be at higher risk of developing a substance abuse disorder.
The short-term impact of substance misuse includes mood changes, increased risk of depression, sleep disruption, and a distorted sense of reality. Long-term effects include worsening mental health conditions, new mental health disorders, dependance, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
Why should I dispose of unused medication?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 million people end up hospitalized every year because of drug-related injury, making it critical to properly dispose of unused or expired medication. Flushing medications can contaminate water sources and be harmful to wildlife, while medications that are thrown in the garbage can end up in the wrong hands, including children and pets.
Where should I dispose of unused medications?
Unused medications should be disposed of in a secure drop box. You can view a list of medication drop-off locations in Ontario County using this map.
Get Involved
General Meetings: Coalition meetings are virtual on the third Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Steering Committee: Our leadership committee meets virtually on the second Thursday of each month from 4-5 p.m.
Reach out to us below to learn more on how you can volunteer today!