The Anti-Drug Coalition works in partnership with Citrus County Schools on a number of initiatives to improve education for both students, parents, and teachers in the area of drug prevention.  The Anti-Drug Coalition is involved in annual events such as Red Ribbon Week, Unity Day, Teen Town Hall, Prom Promise Campaigns, Project Graduation, as well as helping to provide other supplemental curriculum to educate teens about the dangers of drug and alcohol use.  This is done through curriculum such as Know the Law taught by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, and other future classes that will be implementing information on Alcohol and Prescription Drug Safety.  

Maximum Impact Prevention Leadership Initiative

In order to effectively see change across Citrus County concerning the important issues facing our youth, it starts with a place where teens are able to connect and discuss.  Through the Maximum Impact Prevention Leadership Initiative, students can participate in learning about prevention as well as putting it into action.  

Reformatted for the 2020-21 School Year, Maximum Impact will help empower students to be actively involved in positive behaviors.  The Anti-Drug Coalition will work with existing clubs on certain school campuses to provide teens with the opportunity to undergo Leadership Training in the area of Drug Prevention, and learn how they can not only impact their school, but their community.  

The Target Areas that the Maximum Impact Prevention Leadership Initiative will focus on and engage other students, and the community in, are:

• Bullying Prevention – Students will seek ways to make a difference with positive messages at their school and the community by participating in and/or creating awareness campaigns that will promote respect, unity, and acceptance among the student body.

• Healthy Decision Making – Students will be challenged to learn how to make better decisions about avoiding environments where there is risk involved.  By asking themselves important questions, seeking out advice from a parent, teacher, or appropriate adult mentor, they can possibly avoid making a poor decision that could ultimately affect their future.

• Mental Health – Students will have the opportunity to learn more about mental health and how it affects them and their peers when it comes to stress, depression, anger/violence, and crisis.  Maximum Impact will encourage students to talk about their feelings, and share with others, but seek professional help from trained individuals for crisis. This can be an important tool for students to recognize and help other students to receive guidance and counseling.

• Substance Abuse – Students will be leaders in their school against substance abuse including Underage Drinking, Prescription Drugs, Smoking Marijuana, Tobacco, Vaping, and any other illegal form.