Caroline County holds the dubious distinction of having Maryland’s second highest percentage of alcohol-related crashes among 16 to 20 year olds per population. It is fourth in the state for cases for DUIs (driving under the influence) arrests among those under 21 per population. Drug Free Caroline Coalition is working to reverse these startling statistics and is seeking to partner with youth and adults in the community to make that happen.
Starting on Wednesday, April 28, the coalition will host evening quarterly meetings to make it more convenient for community members to attend. The April meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Denton Public Library in the large meeting room.
“We host monthly coalition meetings during the workday, but would like to make it easier for working parents, youth and other community members to participate,” says Karen Bishop, Prevention Supervisor, Caroline County Prevention Office.
“Only through a united community effort will we be able to make a real difference in our community,” she adds.
New Prevention Specialist appointed
The Caroline County Prevention Office has recently named Wendy Warfel of Denton as Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist. “Ms. Warfel brings a wealth of wonderful experience working with youth and a great personality to the prevention office and is a welcome addition,” says Ms. Bishop, who had been responsible for all of the prevention programming and management for the county for more than a year.
In her role as Prevention Specialist Ms. Warfel is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the Drug Free Caroline Coalition, such as coalition member recruitment and facilitation of events/activities. In addition, she and Ms. Bishop will be working on community relations, youth program development and community education.
“I want to connect with Caroline County youth to communicate the dangers of underage drinking and drug use,” says Ms. Warfel. “I want them to understand that what may seem like just something to do with their friends can greatly impact not only their lives, but the lives of every family member as well as their community,” she adds.
The Drug Free Caroline Coalition (formerly known as the Combating Underage Drinking Coalition) was formed in 1998. The coalition is funded by the Drug Free Communities Support Program through the Caroline County Health Department Prevention Office and through funding from Maryland Alcohol and Drug Administration. In addition, the coalition is a non-profit organization under the Foundation for Community Partnerships, inc. in Centreville. Its purpose is to empower and support youth to make positive, healthy and substance-free choices. For more information, call (410) 479-3501, email wwarfel@carolinehd.org or karenbishop@carolinehd.org or visit www.drugfreecaroline.org.