The Martinsburg Initiative Drug-Free WV Coalition has over 30 members representing 12 sectors of our community. They have invested substantial time strengthening our DFC Task Forces (ie., Marijuana Prevention, Prescription Opioid Prevention, Nicotine/Vaping Prevention, and Alcohol Prevention) who work in the community to support and deliver substance use prevention projects.
EDUCATE. PREVENT. REDUCE STIGMA.
Positively Transforming Schools
The mission of the youth coalition is to educate, prevent, and reduce stigma of substance use disorders.
EMPOWER.
Positively Transforming Families
The mission of The Martinsburg Initiative is to prevent substance use disorders, build strong families, and empower the Martinsburg community through a strong police, school, community, health, and education partnership. The program is based on the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which can show how early childhood experiences shape the lives of adults.
Drug-Free Youth Coalition
Inspiring Change, Building Community
The MHS Drug-Free Youth Coalition is dedicated to fostering a positive, drug-free culture through engaging events, educational programs, and community-building activities. These initiatives have impacted hundreds of students and community members, empowering them to make healthier choices and build stronger connections.
High-Impact Events
“It’s important because it allows us to bond together. If we don’t get that, people can more easily get depressed and feel like they are struggling alone. We want to let them know they aren’t alone and that there is someone there for them.”
Through diverse events, impactful education, and community-building initiatives, the Drug-Free Youth Coalition continues to create a supportive and proactive environment where students thrive, make healthier choices, and inspire positive change.
A heartwarming community initiative with 1,700 participants, fostering hope and resilience.
Encouraged acts of kindness, bringing together 215 attendees to celebrate compassion and empathy.
Educational Initiatives
A hands-on activity with 190 participants, teaching safe driving practices.
Engaged 250–300 students, inspiring them to commit to a safe, drug-free prom experience.
Interactive sessions for 20 participants, demonstrating the effects of substance use in a safe and educational setting.
Delivered substance abuse prevention education to 40 students per session across three impactful sessions.
Educated students on the dangers of underage drinking, DUIs, and distracted driving.
Focused on creating action plans to foster a more positive school environment.
Community-Building Activities
Attracted 17–37 participants per session, reinforcing coalition goals through engaging activities.
A festive Halloween event with 50 participants, accompanied by the “You’ve Been BOO’ed – Know Where Your Candy Comes From” campaign, raising awareness about fentanyl-laced substances and generating $150 to support a local family’s Christmas.
A collaborative fundraiser involving 1,731 participants, uniting students for a meaningful cause.
Monthly and Leadership Meetings
The coalition’s monthly meetings ensure steady engagement, with attendance ranging from 22 to 42 participants.
Leadership-focused events, like Student Leadership Day and Officer Meetings, equip students with the knowledge and tools to drive change in their schools and communities.
Building a Sense of Community
Christian Cox, president of Musselman’s Coalition, highlighted the importance of fostering connection:
“It’s important because it allows us to bond together. If we don’t get that, people can more easily get depressed and feel like they are struggling alone. We want to let them know they aren’t alone and that there is someone there for them.”
Through diverse events, impactful education, and community-building initiatives, the Drug-Free Youth Coalition continues to create a supportive and proactive environment where students thrive, make healthier choices, and inspire positive change.
WHAT IS A COALITION?
An alliance of individuals, groups, or organizations that come together to achieve a common goal.
The Martinsburg Initiative Drug-Free WV Coalition depends on the support of its community partners.
