Drug Free Delaware is a community coalition that brings together individuals and organizations from across Delaware County who share a commitment to prevention. By combining diverse perspectives, experiences, and resources, we work collaboratively to address community needs, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting positive change.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic experiences that occur before age 18. The 2026 Community Health Assessment found higher rates of substance misuse and feelings of depression or hopelessness among adults reporting four or more ACEs compared to those with none, highlighting the importance of prevention and resilience.
Source: 2026 Delaware County Community Health Assessment
We believe meaningful prevention happens when communities work together. Our coalition connects people from all sectors of Delaware County – including schools, healthcare, law enforcement, businesses, community organizations, families, and residents – to identify challenges, share resources, and develop strategies that support healthier individuals and stronger communities.
Everyone brings a valuable perspective, and everyone has a role in building a healthier Delaware County.
Delaware County Underage Drinking Coalition was formed following a Town Hall Meeting in 2006 that focused on reducing underage drinking in Delaware County. For the first time, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey was administered in county middle and high schools by the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
Only a year later we officially became the Drug-Free Delaware Coalition, and By-Laws were created. We continued to formalize policies, procedures, and the creation of acting committees under the Coalition year after year and did so with the support of the federal Drug Free Communities Support Grant.
Drug Free Delaware continues to bring community partners together to promote healthy choices, foster resilience, and prevent substance misuse throughout Delaware County. The coalition operates with the financial and organizational support of the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board, which serves as its fiscal agent. Our work is made possible through this ongoing support and the collective commitment of community partners working toward a healthier Delaware County.
Our team is composed of individual community members and representatives from local prevention groups and coalitions, law enforcement agencies, school districts, behavioral health providers, local universities, professional and support organizations. The coalition coordinator is a Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board employee and works to lead the coalition through the direction of the community partners.
