Our Mission
Drug Free Macon County is a community mission dedicated to assisting the community with finding positive ways to spend time together and preventing youth from partaking in illegal and harmful substance misuse. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all members of Macon County, and we believe that by working together, we can make a lasting impact on the well-being of our community.
Our organization is driven by a passion for fostering healthy choices and promoting a drug-free lifestyle. Through various initiatives and community outreach programs, we aim to educate, engage, and empower individuals to make informed decisions and lead fulfilling lives, free from the influence of harmful substances.
Our strength lies in the unity of our community. We believe that by coming together, we can create a positive and lasting change that will benefit everyone in Macon County.
Partners in Prevention Project (PIPP) Overview
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
The Partners in Prevention Project (PIPP) is a statewide substance abuse prevention initiative by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Office of Behavioral Health Prevention and Federal Grants. Utilizing SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), this 10-year project focuses on sustainability and cultural competence through assessment, capacity building, planning, implementation, and evaluation.PIPP aims to create lasting community change through evidence-based strategies, a well-trained workforce, and collaborative efforts.
The initiative builds on prior projects—the Alcohol Prevention Project (APP) and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Project (ASAPP)—and allows communities to address high-priority substances of abuse identified through assessment data.
Statewide Goals
-
Reduce early onset of alcohol use among youth aged 9-20.
-
Reduce access to alcohol and binge drinking among individuals aged 9-20.
-
Reduce binge and heavy drinking among young adults aged 18-25.
Key Statistics
-
Over 150 Georgia youth die annually from alcohol-related causes.
-
Nearly 20% of underage Georgians report alcohol use in the past month.
-
24% of adults aged 21+ report binge drinking compared to 9% of underage individuals.
-
Less than 10% of Georgia middle and high school students report alcohol use in the past month, with 4% reporting binge drinking.
Community Requirements and Activities
PIPP emphasizes engaging communities through:
-
Participation in Georgia Red Ribbon Week activities.
-
Maintenance of current and accurate information on the PIPP initiative on organizational websites.
-
Provision of tobacco prevention education, including cessation counseling and resources, during individual-level interventions. Approved interventions such as the "2As & R" framework must be reported to DBHDD.
PIPP underscores Georgia’s commitment to reducing underage drinking and substance misuse, creating healthier and safer communities statewide. For more details, visit didyouknowfacts.net.
Our Vision
At Drug Free Macon County, our vision is to build a community where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to make healthy choices. Through collaborative efforts and a focus on prevention, we strive to create a future where substance misuse is no longer a barrier to individual and community well-being.
Our Values
We are guided by the principles of compassion, inclusivity, and integrity. Our approach is rooted in the belief that every member of our community deserves access to resources and support that promote a drug-free lifestyle.