Alachua County Health Promotion and Wellness Coalition Outreach Programs

The HPW Coalition works to prevent substance use, improve mental health, and create a drug-free community for Alachua County with three main methods: Reducing access to drugs, educating youth and families, and providing alternative activities.

Programs include DEA Drug Take Back Days and the HPW Youth Summit along with others.

DEA Drug Take Back Days provide a safe, convenient, and anonymous method of disposing of unwanted and unused prescription medications. These takebacks are coordinated with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office to have a deputy present at each drop site with events occurring each April and October.

The HPW Youth Summit takes place in the summer with middle and high school students. Students learn through traditional teaching methods as well as hands-on activities and games such as escape rooms. By keeping youth engaged, we can help them gain important skills as well as provide valuable information about substance use and mental health.