About Us

Our Mission

 Drug Free Manatee engages community partnerships to implement environmental strategies and programs that are evidence-based and reflect best practices in order to prevent and reduce substance use disorders and promote safety, health and wellness across the lifespan, especially among youth.

Our History

The Manatee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (Drug Free Manatee) was founded in 2001. We develop community partnerships that implement comprehensive, evidence-based environmental strategies to prevent and reduce substance abuse while promoting health and wellness throughout the county, especially among youth.

The coalition is data driven. With knowledge about risk and protective factors, we implement researched-based strategies that provide information and support; enhance skills; change community norms to encourage health and wellness; modify/change policies; improve access and reduce barriers to resources.