For the first time in 10 years the Drug Free Montgomery County Coalition will have a full-time director.
Diamond Justus will begin her duties today as coalition director.
The DFMCC is a county-wide effort to reduce the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other illicit substances in the community for both youth and adults. The coalition provides support for organizations using evidence-based programs that help modify unhealthy behaviors, advocate for policies that support access to treatment for substance abuse disorders and form relationships in the community that foster the reduction of substance abuse issues. The DFMCC is a program of the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau.
“We are so excited to finally have someone concentrating their efforts solely on this incredibly important program,” said Karen Branch, YSB executive director. “All of this is possible because of a collaboration with the Montgomery County Health Department. Adrianne Northcutt, MCHD administrator, has been instrumental in this position becoming a reality. The health department entered into an memorandum of understanding with the YSB and is providing partial funding for the position. The remaining funding will come from the opioid settlement funds for the county, as approved by the county commissioners.”
Branch added that Justus already was working collaboratively with the coalition and there was no one more qualified or as passionate to serve the community and help reduce substance use issues.
“We are grateful to have someone of her caliber direct the efforts of the coalition,” Branch said.
The DFMCC has made great strides in the last two years through its mini-grant program that supports the agencies and organizations that are doing the front-line work: the probation department, health department and local agencies. They are providing education and prevention services, treatment and intervention programs and support to local law enforcement/criminal justice all with the financial support of the Montgomery County Drug Free Coalition. Additionally, the coalition has a strategic plan and active committees carrying out the work to support the community.
For more information, contact the Drug Free Montgomery County Coalition through the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau or visit online at www.mcysb.org or https://drugfreemoco.org/. Justus may be reached at 765-362-0694 or by email at diamond@mcysb. org.
The YSB and DFMCC are both partner agencies of the United Way in Montgomery County.
