Our Mission is to facilitate community collaboration, connect resources, develop innovative strategies and align actions to eliminate substance abuse in DeSoto County.
As leaders of Drug Free DeSoto, we want to make a difference by facilitating systemic change that will improve our community, by being knowledgeable and open to new ideas, by welcoming others to join to be part of the solution, and by being accountable and transparent in our actions.
OUR TEAM
Heather Fugate
Program Director/Coalition Coordinator
Jodie DeLoach
Board President
Oralia Ramirez
Vice President
Luis Velasco
Treasurer
Major Andrew Proudfit
Board Member
Leslie Bickett
Board Member
About Us
About
By responding to community conditions, DFDC will implement evidenced-based strategies that lead to measured, population-level reductions of substance abuse problems. By increasing awareness of the effects of drug use, strengthening collaboration among community partners, and mobilizing community-wide prevention efforts, it is our hope to become a wholesome outlet and resource for children, teens, and families who seek lives free from the burdens of drug and alcohol abuse.
We want you to know
It is important for the entire community to get on board with our efforts. In order to make the changes we want to see happen, there must be a community-wide effort in changing our county’s environment which is currently conducive to excessive substance abuse. These changes will encompass three areas: our community norms, the availability of substances, and our local regulations (policies).
The coalition has members of the County and City governmental agencies, the Public Health community, local law enforcement, teachers, administrators, student leaders, the faith-based community, parents, and others bringing their resources together to address these problems.
Project Graduation and Drug-Free DeSoto join forces to keep kids safe!
Parent and Youth Resources
Partnership to End Addiction
The nation’s leading organization dedicated to addiction prevention, treatment and recovery, we are a community of researchers, advocates, clinicians, communicators and more.
Learn MoreCommunities That Care Curriculum
Equips communities with information to create a public health prevention approach to target youth problem behaviors such as violence, delinquency, and substance abuse. Includes 50 PPTs that cover strategic consultation, training, and research-based tools.
Learn MoreDrug Rehab
Operation parent
Operation Parent is a national nonprofit that exists to empower parents (and caregivers) to fully engage in ongoing conversations with their K-12 children about technology, substance use, and mental health issues for purposes of prevention. Our evidence-based parent handbooks and free monthly webinars raise both the awareness and confidence needed to jumpstart these conversations.
Learn MoreMADD - Power of Parents
For families struggling with how to address underage drinking, MADD’s Power of Parents High School Handbook and Power of Parents Middle School Handbook give parents the tools to start the conversation, set family rules and enforce consequences; includes free 15-minute online workshops with tips and tools for parents on how to talk with their children about alcohol.
Learn MoreNIDA - Publications for Parents
Access a wealth of information and downloadable full-text publications for parents, on a range of topics, including addiction science, medical consequences, trends and statistics, and the link between drugs and HIV/AIDS.
Learn MoreNIDA - Marijuana: Facts for Teens
Phoenix House
Phoenix House is committed to treating the whole person — and their families — with caring, qualified professionals in the fields of psychiatry, medicine, mental health, social work, education, and recovery support. Their teams of experts address underlying causes of substance abuse and behavioral patterns to guide clients toward lasting recovery.
Learn MoreSAMHSA Research - Based Prevention Programs
Street Smart Prevention Just Think Twice
Hanley Foundation
Hanley Foundation’s vision is to create a world free of addiction. Join us on our mission to eliminate addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support.
Learn MorePhoto Gallery
Our Proud Partners
