Drug Free Communities Coalition

The Elkton Alliance Drug Free Communities (DFC) Coalition is a federally funded community initiative based in Elkton, Maryland. It is designed to foster collaboration among local organizations and residents to prevent and reduce substance use among youth, specifically targeting ages 12–18.

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The coalition was established to address specific challenges in Elkton, which has been identified as having some of the highest rates of subsidized housing, homelessness, and food insecurity in Cecil County.

 

Its primary goals are:

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• Youth Prevention: Reducing the use of tobacco and alcohol—the two most prevalent substances used by Elkton youth.

• Capacity Building: Strengthening the local "village" by bringing together parents, schools, law enforcement, and business leaders to support healthy youth development.

• Addressing Risk Factors: Tackling community norms that overlook youth drinking, improving retailer education to stop sales to minors, and addressing the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).