HC DrugFree

04/06/2026

What happens when you call 1-800-MY-RESET? When someone calls, texts, or chats the National Problem Gambling Helpline™, they will always be answered by trained professionals. These individuals are knowledgeable about problem gambling and can provide support, information and resources to address gambling-related concerns.

Have you ever wondered what happens when you call 1-800-MY-RESET? Contacting the National Problem Gambling Helpline™ might feel intimidating, but there’s power in taking that first step. Whether you call, text, or chat, you’ll always be connected with trained professionals who specialize in he...

04/04/2026

🚭💊 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is your chance to safely dispose of unused or expired medications — including vapes and e-cigs — right here in Howard County!

📍 Drop off at the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot
When: April 25, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

❌ Sharps (needles, syringes, EpiPens) will NOT be accepted.

♻️ Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services recommends placing used/unused needles in a sealed plastic bottle (like a detergent bottle) before putting them in your curbside trash to protect collection crews.

Let’s keep our community and environment safe together. 💙

Learn more ➡️ hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1

04/03/2026

Bring your pet meds and other medication to HC DrugFree's Medication Collection on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot. Protect your pets and family by participating in this free, drive-thru event!

❌ Sharps (needles, syringes, EpiPens) will NOT be accepted.

♻️ Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services recommends placing used/unused needles in a sealed plastic bottle (like a detergent bottle) before putting them in your curbside trash to protect collection crews.

Learn More: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/

04/02/2026

Salvia Divinorum (Salvia) is an herb from the mint family that is widely known for its hallucinogenic properties.

Native to Mexico but also able to be grown in indoor and outdoor regions, Salvia Divinorum can impair many sensory and cognitive functions.

Symptoms include but are not limited to perceptions of vivid colors and bright lights, fear or panic, loss of coordination, dizziness, and slurred speech.

Stay alert. Talk with your family. Keep all medications safely stored and locked away from children, teens, and pets.

https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/salvia-divinorum?Utm_campaign=20251231_30days&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

04/02/2026

April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol use and misuse. It offers communities a chance to gain more understanding of how individuals struggle with alcohol use and offers resources and support.

Treatment for alcohol use varies based on a person’s needs. But there are many choices today that make recovery possible. Visit samhsa.gov/find-help if you or someone you know is looking for help for alcohol use or misuse.

03/31/2026

Register to attend our Spring 2026 Guiding Good Choices® classes for parents, guardians and grandparents. Series will run April 14, 15, 21, 22 and 28 (optional class). from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Raising preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn’t it be great if adults could take a class that taught us how to help our kids avoid risky behaviors, all while learning how to say NO to drugs and alcohol? There is!

Guiding Good Choices® is an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that helps you build a stronger bond with your child, while also providing skills proven to reduce the risk of children engaging in substance use or other risky behaviors.

Learn how to:
• Prevent Drug Use in Your Family
• Develop Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards
• Avoid Trouble and Respond to Peer Pressure
• Manage Conflict and Express Feelings Constructively
• Strengthen Family Bonds
• And More!

Learn More: https://buff.ly/X4D4BO7
Register at https://tinyurl.com/GGCSpring2026

Please include any questions or comments on the registration form.

03/30/2026

Did you know? Fentanyl cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, making it especially dangerous.

Test your knowledge and learn more about the risks by taking this quick quiz: stopoverdose.maryland.gov/quiz

This information is provided by the Maryland Department of Health to raise awareness about the dangers of street drugs and support the health and safety of Maryland communities.

If you or someone you know needs help or is in crisis, call or text 988 for support.

03/30/2026

Bring your pet meds to HC DrugFree's Medication Collection on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot. Protect your pets and family by participating in this free, drive-thru event!

❌ Sharps (needles, syringes, EpiPens) will NOT be accepted.

♻️ Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services recommends placing used/unused needles in a sealed plastic bottle (like a detergent bottle) before putting them in your curbside trash to protect collection crews.

Learn More: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/

03/29/2026

FREE PARENTING CLASSES for parents, guardians and grandparents. Series will run April 14, 15, 21, 22 and 28 (optional class). from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Learn More: https://buff.ly/X4D4BO7
Register at https://tinyurl.com/GGCSpring2026

Please include any questions or comments on the registration form.

03/28/2026

The 2025-26 HoCo Student Film Festival is on May 1, 2026 from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Miller Library

Submission deadline: April 7, 2026.

The theme of the HC DrugFree Category is: In The Know: Fake Pills, Real Danger

Counterfeit prescription pills are increasingly being laced with illegal fentanyl and other dangerous substances, and people often don’t know what’s inside. HC DrugFree is aligning this year’s category with national public awareness efforts and resources, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s One Pill Can Kill campaign.

Full Guidelines available here: https://hcdrugfree.org/hoco-filmfest/

03/28/2026

For many adults with gambling problems, exposure began during adolescence.
Awareness & education helps communities understand that gambling isn’t
harmless — and early experiences can shape future behavior.