"Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow."
The Drug Task Force
The Drug Task Force is a coalition formed and supported by our community.
We are working towards eliminating the use and sale of illegal drugs in
Martinsville and Henry County through strengthening of the local judicial
system, support of strong prevention and rehabilitation programs and continued
and varied efforts to educate the total community regarding the perils of
substance use, abuse and addiction. Our focus is on Prevention, Treatment
and Recovery. The Drug Task Force is comprised of representatives from the
Martinsville Police Dept., Martinsville City Schools, local Civic & Businesses,
Medical field, Substance Abuse treatment and prevention, CHILL members,
local residents, concerned community members and Department of Social Services.
We are a member of CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America)
The Drug Task Force's purpose is to work towards eliminating the use and sale of illegal drugs in Martinsville and Henry County through:
- Strengthening of the local judicial system
- Support of strong prevention and rehabilitation programs
- Continued and varied efforts to educate the total community regarding the perils of illegal drugs
Our focus is on
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Recovery
Goals we are working towards
- Keep “No Drug” message in front of the general community
- Educate youth and adults
- Improve access to treatment for individuals and families
Our members at this time include representatives form the Martinsville Police Dept., Martinsville City Schools, local Civic & Businesses, Medical field, Substance Abuse treatment and prevention, CHILL members, local residents and Department of Social Services.
We are a member of CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
We support National Recovery month in September by displaying billboards.
HEY! “Helping Empower Youth” Community Task Force
HEY!! “Helping Empower Youth” Community Task Force began in the spring of 2003.
The purpose of this organization is to support CHILL (Communities Helping Improve Local Lives) Youth Task Force and other area youth in making positive choices and to lower the accessibility and use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by youth in our community.
Membership is open to any adult in Martinsville/Henry County who is interested in its purpose. Members represent area parents, ministers, law enforcement, health agencies, youth serving agencies, businesses, and schools.
A monthly lunch meeting is held the third Wednesday of each month, except December, June and July. CHILL members attend each meeting and have voting privileges.
HEY! Partners with CHILL and other area organizations to hold an annual Youth Rally each spring. This event with a life size maze draws over 500 youth each year. Other accomplishments include a Town Hall Meeting on Meth and on Underage Drinking, motivational speakers in the schools and smoke free activities.
HEY! is also concerned with the importance of parents in a child’s life. Each year parenting folders have been given out to parents of area middle and high school students.
A media campaign, “Parents: The Most Important Influence on Youth” has highlighted efforts to encourage parents to communicate effectively to their children and support their passions in life; such as, sports, dance or community service.
In addition, HEY! supplies brochures on drug and health related youth issues to various outlets in our community. Education Station, the Health Department, and Children’s Medical Center are a few locations where these materials may be found.
Also, important links for parents may be found on the link page.
Want to join? Call Katie Connelly at 632-7969 or email at kconnelly@piedmontcsb.org
