Vision: Highlands County: A safe, healthy, and drug free community.

Current Goal: To keep students in school and encourage successful completion by lowering the suspension and expulsion rate. (Based upon 2008 FYSAS & FLDOE statistics)

We are a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization made up of community stakeholders: Business community; Civic and volunteer groups; Faith-based organizations; Healthcare professionals; Law enforcement agencies; Media; Parents; Schools; State, local, and governmental agencies; Other organizations involved in reducing substance abuse; Youth; & Youth-serving organizations.

Current issue: We launched "Be the Wall" social marketing campaign on January 23, 2009 at the Highlands County Fair. The focus of the campaign is on the developing adolescent brain and the behaviors that accompany its development. Using humor, adults will be educated regarding how, at times, teens are illogical, impulsive, rebellious, take risks, and test boundaries. To address this behavior, we ask parents to be clear, be firm and to be consistent. Take the Pledge!