HC DrugFree

What HC DrugFree does

HC DrugFree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, that delivers substance abuse prevention, education, and resource services exclusively to residents of Howard County. The organization originated in 1995 as the Eastern Coalition Against Substance Abuse — a response by staff at Oakland Mills High School to rising youth substance use — and was formally incorporated as HC DrugFree, Inc. in March 2004, receiving IRS 501(c)(3) status in October 2004. Its service portfolio spans medication disposal drives (twice-yearly drive-thru collection events in partnership with the Howard County Police Department and DEA), youth programming (Life Skills Training for grades 6-9, Teen Advisory Council, HoCo Student Film Festival), parent education (Guiding Good Choices evidence-based curriculum, 'Be a Parent Not a Friend' campaign), community education on opioids, fentanyl, xylazine, vaping, and mental health, and specialized programs such as Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City and Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. All programs are delivered free of charge to participants.

The organization operates without proprietary technology, relying instead on in-person classes, community events, school-based programming, and a website/email newsletter/social media presence to reach its audience. Revenue is sourced from three streams: (1) donations and sponsorships (tiered from $10 Student level to $10,000 Diamond Sponsor), (2) government grants and multi-year contracts with the Howard County Health Department's Bureau of Behavioral Health (with the original 10-year contract awarded December 2011 and renewed via two new multi-year contracts in December 2021), and (3) in-kind support from partners including Howard County Government, Howard County Police Department, and DEA. The customer base is geographically segmented into Howard County youth, parents/guardians, the general community, schools/PTAs, and government agencies.

Operational scale is small (1-10 employees) and the geographic footprint is intentionally narrow, limited to Howard County, Maryland. Notable operational metrics include semi-annual medication collection events averaging approximately 1,100-1,500 lbs of unwanted medications removed from the community, Life Skills class cohorts of 30+ students, and sustained DEA partnership since 2012. The organization is led by Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi (since August 2009), who holds concurrent appointments on multiple county advisory bodies including the Opioid Restitution Fund Commission (confirmed March 2025), Howard County Opioid Collaborative Community Council (appointed January 2023), and previously chaired the Howard County Local Behavioral Health Advisory Board (June 2022-June 2024).

Name

HC DrugFree

Legal name

HC DrugFree, Inc.

Website

https://hcdrugfree.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

HC DrugFree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Columbia, Maryland that provides free substance abuse prevention education, youth programs, parenting classes, and medication disposal services to Howard County residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Substance Abuse Prevention Services

NAICS

Administration of Public Health Programs (92312)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAAAHAL

Substance Use Prevention & Recovery Lifestyle Education (Non-clinical)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Health, Wellness & Lifestyle Education (Nutrition, Fitness, Mindfulness)

SECONDARYHLAFALAN

Pharmacovigilance, Medication Safety & Controlled Substance Diversion Monitoring

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Healthcare Providers & Systems/Pharmacy & Medication Management Services

Keywords

• Substance abuse prevention
• Youth prevention education
• Community behavioral health
• Medication disposal programs
• Nonprofit prevention services

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorships: HC DrugFree relies on charitable donations and sponsorships from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Donation levels range from $10 (Student) to $10,000 (Diamond Sponsor), with tiered sponsorship levels including Bronze ($500), Silver ($1,000), Gold ($2,500), Platinum ($5,000), and Diamond ($10,000). All donations are tax-deductible as HC DrugFree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
2. Government Grants and Contracts: HC DrugFree receives government funding through contracts with the Howard County Health Department's Bureau of Behavioral Health for behavioral health prevention services. The organization was awarded a 10-year contract in December 2011 (expired December 2021) and subsequently awarded two new multi-year contracts to continue providing prevention services.
3. In-Kind Support: HC DrugFree receives in-kind support from government agencies and organizations including facilities, staff time, and operational resources from partners such as Howard County Government, Howard County Police Department, and DEA for medication collection events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

HC DrugFree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free substance use and behavioral health prevention services to Howard County, Maryland residents. Its core offerings include twice-yearly drive-thru medication and sharps disposal events, evidence-based life skills training for middle school students, the Guiding Good Choices parenting program, the Teen Advisory Council youth leadership program, and community-wide educational resources on vaping, opioids, fentanyl, mental health, and safe medication storage.

Product overview

HC DrugFree offers a comprehensive suite of community-based prevention, education, and wellness programs for Howard County residents. The organization operates as a single unified nonprofit offering multiple interconnected services including medication disposal drives, youth life skills training, parenting classes, teen leadership programs, and community education initiatives. Programs include Medication and Sharps Disposal, Guiding Good Choices parenting classes, Life Skills Training for middle school students, the Teen Advisory Council, HoCo Student Film Festival, Senior Week safety programming, and educational resources on substance use and behavioral health topics. All services are provided free of charge to the community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,215 lbs of medication collected per event
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, in kind and minor.

• Howard County Health DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree has maintained a long-standing partnership with the Howard County Health Department's Bureau of Behavioral Health. In December 2011, HC DrugFree was awarded a 10-year contract to provide substance abuse/misuse prevention services. When that contract expired in December 2021, HC DrugFree was awarded two new multi-year contracts to continue providing behavioral health prevention services. Under this partnership, Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi serves as Howard County's Prevention Coordinator and Maryland Strategic Prevention Framework (MSPF) Coordinator.
• Howard County Public School SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree works closely with the Howard County Public School System to provide student assistance programs, life skills training, educational presentations, and parent education. The organization collaborates with PTAs, PTSAs, and individual schools across the county. The HCPSS Mental Health Task Force and School Mental Health Community Advisory Council include HC DrugFree representation.
• Howard County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHoward County Government is listed as a Major Donor and FY2026 sponsor of HC DrugFree. The organization receives ongoing support and recognition from Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and various county agencies.
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree partners with the DEA for National Drug Take Back Day events. The DEA provides support and authorization for HC DrugFree's medication collection sites, and DEA officials including Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Crowe have recognized the organization with awards. The DEA guards and collaborates on medication transport during collection events.
• Howard County Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Howard County Police Department partners with HC DrugFree for medication disposal events, providing guards who protect and transport collected medications. The department also collaborates on Senior Week safety programs and other law enforcement-related educational initiatives.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree is a recognized partner with SAMHSA, attending annual Prevention Day events and the CADCA Forum. Executive Director Joan Webb Scornaienchi has been invited to showcase HC DrugFree at SAMHSA Region 3 Prevention Stakeholders meetings.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree partners with NIDA for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week and National Chat Day, providing Howard County teens with access to submit questions about drugs and alcohol to NIDA scientists. The organization also aligns its 'In the KNOW' public awareness campaigns with national efforts.
• PTA Council of Howard CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree has a long-standing partnership with the PTA Council of Howard County to deliver parent education programs and coordinate on school-based prevention initiatives throughout the county.
• Maryland Office of Overdose ResponsemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a Major Donor and sponsor for both FY2025 and FY2026. This state agency provides funding and support for HC DrugFree's overdose prevention and response initiatives.
• Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Servicesin kindStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides in-kind support for HC DrugFree events and programs, including CPR training for volunteers and staff.
• Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Centerin kindStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides in-kind support as a community partner. Board member Dr. Andrew F. Angelino serves as Director of Psychiatry at the medical center.
• Howard County Library Systemin kindStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with HC DrugFree by hosting events including the HoCo Student Film Festival at Miller Library.
• Howard County Sheriff's Officein kindStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides in-kind support for HC DrugFree programs and events.
• Howard County State's Attorney's Officein kindStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with HC DrugFree to provide parenting classes, including the Guiding Good Choices evidence-based prevention program. Also collaborates on Senior Week safety presentations.
• Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (W-B HIDTA)in kindStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides in-kind support as a federal drug task force partner.
• The Korean Society of Marylandin kindStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides in-kind support for HC DrugFree community outreach and events.
• Horizon Foundation of Howard CountymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as an FY2025 sponsor. The Horizon Foundation is a major health philanthropy in Howard County that supports community health initiatives.
• Ellicott City Rotary Club, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a Silver Sponsor ($1,000+) for FY2026.
• Wegmans in ColumbiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a Silver Sponsor ($1,000+) for FY2026. Also listed as a Friend of HC DrugFree for FY2021-22.
• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree's Executive Director regularly attends CADCA's annual National Leadership Forum and Prevention Day events. The organization has been recognized at CADCA forums and has participated in coalition-building activities.
• Ocean City Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with HC DrugFree for the annual Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City program. Cpl. Howard Caplan works with HC DrugFree throughout the year to prepare safety materials for Howard County teens.
• Howard County Opioid Collaborative Community CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree's Executive Director was appointed by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball to this newly-created council in January 2023. The Council assists in determining priorities for how the County should use funds received through National Settlement Agreements with opioid manufacturers.
• Opioid Restitution Fund CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree's Executive Director was confirmed by the Howard County Council in March 2025 to serve on this newly-established commission, which reviews and provides recommendations about the use of settlement and grant funds related to addressing opioid use disorders.
• Howard County Local Behavioral Health Advisory (HCLBHA) BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHC DrugFree's Executive Director was elected chair of HCLBHA in June 2022. The Board was formed to advise the Howard County Executive and County Health Officer with their responsibility to plan, manage, and monitor Behavioral Health programs and services for county residents.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD): Youth-focused organization providing peer-to-peer prevention education on substance use and risky behaviors in school settings. Strongly comparable to HC DrugFree's Teen Advisory Council and middle/high school life skills training programs.
• SAFE Project: Nonprofit addressing substance use and addiction through prevention, harm reduction, and recovery support. Comparable mission and approach, including community-based education and youth engagement, with national scope.
• Drug Free America Foundation: Nonprofit dedicated to substance use prevention through education, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy. Closely comparable prevention education mission to HC DrugFree at national scale.
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): National nonprofit addressing underage drinking and impaired driving through education, advocacy, and victim support. Comparable community education and youth prevention orientation to HC DrugFree's alcohol and substance use programs.
• Partnership to End Addiction: National nonprofit focused on substance use prevention, education, and family support for parents and youth. Directly comparable to HC DrugFree's parent- and youth-focused prevention education model, though operating at national scale rather than single-county.

Broad incumbents

• Shatterproof: National nonprofit advancing the conversation around substance use disorder through advocacy, treatment access, and stigma reduction. Operates in adjacent prevention and recovery space at significantly larger scale than HC DrugFree.
• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA): National membership organization supporting community drug-prevention coalitions through training and resources. HC DrugFree's Executive Director actively participates in CADCA forums, and the coalition-building model is directly analogous to HC DrugFree's role as Howard County's prevention coordinator.

Emerging players

• Truth Initiative: Public health organization focused on tobacco, vaping, and nicotine prevention, particularly among youth. Overlaps with HC DrugFree's vaping prevention programming and youth-targeted behavioral health education.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/hcdrugfree
• Facebookfacebook.com/HCdrugfree
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hc-drugfree
• Instagraminstagram.com/hc_drugfree

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HC DrugFree