BRADENTON, FL, January 11th, 2023 – As Manatee County’s Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition, Drug Free Manatee would like to recognize the State College of Florida Collegiate School middle and high school students for making the commitment to stay drug, alcohol and tobacco free. During the annual sign-up event held on December 1st and 2nd of 2022, 160 students signed up for the D-Fy (Drug Free Youth) Program, setting a record for sign-ups in one event for the organization.
A large part of the coalition’s youth initiatives, Drug-Free Youth is an organization of peers who share the commitment to make positive choices and live a healthy, drug-free life. Members are eligible to receive local discounts, attend special D-Fy events and gain opportunities to receive volunteer hours, graduation cords, hiring preference and internships.
Joining D-Fy is free to all students. Applicants must be ages between the ages of 13 and 18 (or still in school) and must complete a membership application at sign-up events. The application includes the student’s commitment to be drug, alcohol, and tobacco free (including E-cigs). Members validate this commitment though a confidential drug screening when they join, and pledge their commitment in writing to stay drug free though potential random screenings throughout their membership.
Once the application is validated, members receive a photo ID card. This card allows them to receive discounts at local businesses and retailers. Drug Free Manatee encourages businesses to sign up to support these amazing kids through discount programs for Drug-Free Youth participants. For sign up information, please visit www.drugfreemanatee.org and check out the Youth section.
As Manatee County’s Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition, Drug Free Manatee is a 501c3 organization that develops and implements comprehensive, evidence-based environmental strategies to prevent and reduce substance abuse while promoting health and wellness throughout the county, especially among youth. The coalition is run on the support of the community through sponsorships, partnerships, donations and volunteers.
Drug Free Manatee is grateful for the support of our 2022-2023 Annual Sponsors, including Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Manatee County Sheriff’s Department, MCR Health and North River Prevention Partners. The support of these organizations helps to provide invaluable community resources and allows for greater outreach throughout the year from their generous donations.
Drug Free Manatee is focused on making the maximum positive effort by using data driven models to provide solutions that make a long-lasting difference. Founded in 2001, Drug Free Manatee receives grant support from Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, SAMHSA, Bradenton Police Department and State Farm Insurance, as well as support from Manatee County Government as the Prevention Coalition for the county and local contributions.
There are many ways to support the mission of Drug Free Manatee. To find out more about the coalition’s initiatives and learn about volunteer opportunities, fundraising events and ways to get involved, please call 941-749-3030 ext. 3490, email gjones@drugfreemanatee.org or visit the website at www.drugfreemanatee.org.