Drug Free Howard County on Substance Abuse Prevention

02/02/2026

01/27/2026

Struggling with an outside influence???? Let us know and we can provide an out.

Send a message to learn more

12/02/2025

The new year is quickly approaching, and it’s a great time for fresh starts. If you’re a to***co user, the best thing you can do for your health this year is to make a quit plan. Smoking remains the No. 1 cause of preventable death in Indiana, but deciding to quit in 2025/2026 can dramatically reduce your risk for life-threatening diseases.

Quit plans:

Combine strategies to keep you focused, confident, and motivated

Help identify challenges you may face and ways to overcome them

Improve your chances of quitting smoking for good

A trained quit coach at 1-800-QUIT-NOW can help you create a personalized quit plan and provide free ni****ne replacement therapy for eligible participants. SmokeFree.gov recommends the following steps for building a successful quit plan:

Pick a quit date

Let loved ones know you are quitting

Remove reminders of smoking

Identify your reasons for quitting

Identify your smoking triggers

Develop coping strategies

Have places you can turn to for immediate help

Set up rewards for Quit Milestones

Free, confidential help is available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or QuitNowIndiana.com. Make the end of 2025 your best year yet by making the decision to quit.

Together, we can make Howard County a healthier, to***co-free community.

Howard County To***co Prevention Coalition

Find information, resources, and support to help you get ready to quit to***co and successfully stop smoking.

12/01/2025

https://view.subscription.in.gov/?qs=f8b55d3d1d28f3ca600af78a6c04b088fb1123c85a097c6ac5c6403776acae9f461e5889c175211f3db0c8674bee4728b07ef3874f1d6c347c8c7e0ba545533fcce6d99bdaa9b773e88f657f603ba116

11/08/2025

To view more:
https://view.subscription.in.gov/?qs=775be2ff8d641236861ffdfef0a4ae2b650df876b53db932e0c5dad52d0649d31d7fbd4c6b647df1c97c2880156f26ee571eec0b5a0ec94726b90fbb13e7f7d455ef58367e037959e85f75a445462769

11/03/2025

The Howard County Coroner’s Office investigated 54 deaths in the third quarter of 2025. Of those cases, 32 were determined to be due to natural causes.

There were seven deaths by su***de, 13 accidental deaths, and two homicides. The coroner’s office also reviewed an additional 13 direct release cases. Of the 13 accidental deaths, seven were the result of drug overdose. Drugs involved included fentanyl, co***ne, methamphetamine, xylazine, he**in, mitragynine, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

10/20/2025

INDIANA STATE POLICE
PERU DISTRICT
1451 N. Eel River Cemetery Road
Peru, IN 46970

www.in.gov/isp

FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt

Sergeant Steven Glass
Public Information Officer
765-473-6666
SGlass@isp.in.gov

Facebook: ISP Peru District

X:

Date: October 20, 2025

ISP Partners with DEA for Drug Take Back Day

Peru, IN - Dispose of unwanted, expired or unused prescription drugs on Saturday October 25, 2025. The Indiana State Police is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative. The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of unwanted prescription drugs.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. This program is for pill and liquid medications. Needles or sharps of any kind WILL NOT be accepted for disposal. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Expired and unwanted medicines that are left in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the sink or trash—pose both potential safety and health hazards.

Once again, the Indiana State Police is pleased to partner with the DEA, and as in the past, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except for the Toll Road Post.

The Indiana State Police Peru Post will host their collection site from 10:00am - 2:00pm on October 25, 2025. The Peru Post is located at 1451 N. Eel River Cemetery Rd, Peru, IN 46970.

NEEDLES or SHARPS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR DISPOSAL. Please help keep our officers safe by ensuring no needles or sharps are included in your contents at drop-off.

One Badge, Endless Opportunities Learn More Internships Learn More Prepare Yourself Learn More < > Districts State Troopers Capitol Police Section Professional Staff Opportunities Fi****ms Application Status Contact ISP Social Media Flora Arson: SOMEBODY KNOWS Indiana Fi****ms Permit & Permitless Ca...

08/28/2025

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) Toolkit
Public Health
Aug. 20, 2025
Purpose
August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a global campaign to end overdose.
In 2025, CDC is highlighting the concerning rise in stimulant-involved overdose deaths, noting that stimulants are now involved in most fatal overdoses, often in combination with opioids.
Remember loved ones who have died from drug overdose and acknowledge the grief of those left behind.
End overdose by sharing prevention strategies.
Many voices, one family: a collective call to end overdose.
Overdose awareness is important
Each year, August 31st marks International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose.

This IOAD, we encourage unity and collective action against overdose.

Overdose knows no boundaries, so our efforts must connect the many voices impacted by overdoses.
We are united in grief, empowered together to transform loss into hope and action.
Hashtags:

The goals of IOAD are to:
Honor the lives of loved ones who have died from overdose.
Show support to people who use drugs and those in recovery that they are valued.
Continue to raise awareness about the risks of drug overdose.
Share information on available prevention, treatment and recovery support services.
Promote evidence-based practices and strategies to prevent and reduce drug-related harms.

August 31 marks IOAD, a global campaign to end overdose. Partner with us to empower your community.

08/08/2025

400 doses of Narcan boosts overdose response for southern Indiana first responders

https://www.wdrb.com/community/400-doses-of-narcan-boosts-overdose-response-for-southern-indiana-first-responders/article_5b7152cc-c5d6-4de6-90af-ff889d9b31ce.html

Overdose Prevention
As the leading membership organization representing local health departments (LHDs), NACCHO recognizes that people who use drugs deserve dignity, care, and the right to make informed choices about their health and well-being. We understand that drug overdose represents a significant public health concern requiring compassionate, community-centered responses. NACCHO supports local health departments in developing evidence-based policies and programs that prioritize the health and safety of people who use drugs, reduce health disparities, and strengthen community partnerships to address the complex factors contributing to overdose and related health outcomes.
https://www.naccho.org/programs/community-health/injury-and-violence/overdose