About Us
Get to know us
Who We Are
Partnership for Drug-Free Communities is a community-based coalition addressing substance use in Madison, St. Clair and the surrounding Illinois counties. It brings together organizations and individuals to assess local drug trends, and create a comprehensive strategic plan to address local issues. All sectors of the community are welcome to participate in the coalition and its meetings. Partnership for Drug-Free Communities was formed in 2016 when the Drug-Free Coalitions of Madison County (est. 2006) and the Madison County Heroin Task Force merged.
For more information, contact us at PartnershipDrugFreeCommunities@gmail.com
Email Us
PartnershipDrugFreeCommunities@gmail.com
Mail Us
P.O. Box 748
Maryville, Illinois 62062
Join our cause
Coalition Meetings
Join a meeting! ZOOM link updated regularly.
Partnership for Drug-Free Communities will be hosting its next Zoom meeting on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. The presenter will be, Andree Swanson, Public Information Officer, US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), St. Louis Division. Andree will share a website launched by the DEA for the St. Louis Metropolitan Area called WITH YOU St. Louis. The goal was to put local, state and national level substance resources in one location. It aids those trying to find help. To preview the site, go to withyoustl.com.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be recorded. To join the meeting go to
2021 Meeting Dates
- Wednesday, January 27
- Wednesday, February 24
- Wednesday, March 24
- Wednesday, April 28
- Wednesday, May 26
- Wednesday, June 23
Membership:
Our members work together to address rapidly changing drug trends in Madison, St. Clair and the surrounding Illinois counties. Members of the Partnership for Drug-Free Communities are connected to a network of hardworking partners who are dedicated to addressing a spectrum of issues—youth drug prevention, drug poisoning prevention, treatment and recovery, and law enforcement initiatives. Becoming a member means you will be linked to over 300 coalition members representing 100+ local healthcare organizations, first responders, parents, treatment and recovery specialists, businesses, schools and others. You will be involved in a respected organization that assesses local drug trends, and creates comprehensive strategies to address issues.
How to Join:
Visitors are welcome to attend coalition meetings, and receive meeting notices and other coalition emails. For more information or to be added to the email list, go to PartnershipDrugFreeCommunities
Partnership for Drug-Free Communities Bylaws
Meet our team
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is made up of four (4) elected officers, leaders of the work groups and committees, and at-large members.
Jessica Duft
Chair
Janice Rushing
Vice Chair
Karen Tilashalski
Corresponding Secretary
Denise Strehlow
Recording Secretary
EPWG
Education & Prevention Work Group (EPWG)
Working to increase resource information through evidence-based youth education, advertising medication disposal locations to the public, and sharing substance use updates to interested groups. Activities include presentations, print materials and website resources.
Meeting dates and Zoom links can be found on this website. For more information email EdPrevWorkGroup@gmail.com or go to About Us, Calendar for more for the meeting dates and Zoom links.
LEWG
Law Enforcement Work Group (LEWG)
Working towards the maintenance of consistent enforcement, evidence collection, education, and laws. Activities include addressing processes and procedures within the justice system.
This group typically meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month over lunch at the Madison County Administration Building.
MERC
Metro-East Recovery Council (MERC)
MERC works to provide support, education, training, resources, and other recovery services to individuals and families seeking or maintaining recovery. MERC recognizes that there are multiple pathways to recovery, and seeks to increase opportunities for individuals to engage in services that meet their specific needs.
The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 9:00 am-10:00 am. . For more information email PartnershipDrugFreeCommunities@gmail.com or go to About Us, Calendar for more for the meeting dates and Zoom links.
SUPPORT
Family Support Network
A warm line staffed by volunteers, the Family Support Network was developed through a partnership between Amare, NFP and the Metro-East Recovery Council (MERC). Volunteers with lived experience (either personal or family) are available to provide empathy, support, resources, and educational materials to family members or friends who have concerns regarding a loved one’s alcohol or drug use. Note that the volunteers are not counselors and do not provide counseling services.
To talk with a warm line volunteer, call 314-669-1184.