Drug Free DeSoto

Drug Free DeSoto Coalition (DFDC) is a community coalition working to reduce and prevent substance misuse in DeSoto County, Florida. It brings together nonprofit, government, community-based, and business partners to improve conditions for local youth and families. Its mission is to connect resources, encourage collaboration, and develop evidence-based strategies that reduce substance use, with a particular focus on underage drinking. Coalition members include representatives from public health, law enforcement, schools, local government, faith communities, families, and student groups.

DFDC supports community-wide prevention by raising awareness, strengthening partnerships, and promoting changes to community norms, substance availability, and local policies. Its activities include Project Graduation, which works with the coalition to help keep young people safe, and access to parent, youth, and family resources on substance use, mental health, and prevention. The coalition also shares information from organizations and programs focused on addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery, including educational materials, handbooks, and webinars.