top of page

History of the AWARE
Drug and Alcohol Community Coalition 

Originally founded as the The Northport/East Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force, AWARE was founded with a mission to address the growing concerns of substance misuse within the community. The task force was established as a response to the increasing impact of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use among youth and adults in the Northport/East Northport area.

​

From its inception, the coalition has aimed to create a collaborative and proactive approach to preventing substance misuse. It began as a small group of concerned community members, educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement officers who recognized the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle addiction issues and educate the public.

​

Over the years, the coalition has grown in both scope and influence, expanding its reach to local schools, youth programs, families, businesses, and community organizations. The coalition has been instrumental in raising awareness about substance misuse and its effects on mental and physical health, as well as fostering a supportive environment for those affected by addiction.

​

Since 2006, our coalition has worked to prevent youth substance misuse and strengthen the health of our community. As we grow and deepen our impact, we are proud to reintroduce ourselves as the AWARE Drug and Alcohol Community Coalition.


Being aware means more than just paying attention — it means understanding the challenges our youth face, recognizing the power of prevention, and taking action together. This new name reflects our renewed focus on prevention, education, mental well-being, and collaboration across all sectors. We remain grounded in our mission and energized for the road ahead as we work to build a safer, healthier, and more connected community

Mission

"Our mission is to promote the well-being of our youth by preventing substance misuse, supporting mental wellbeing, and empowering community members through education, stigma reduction, and expanded outreach to create a healthier tomorrow."

NENDATF_BOARD.png

Above: The Executive Board of the AWARE - Drug and Alcohol  Community Coalition 

Objectives

1. Promote the well-being of our youth

  • Objective: Focus on improving the overall physical, mental, and emotional health of young people.

​

2. Prevent substance misuse

  • Objective: Reduce or eliminate the risk of young people engaging in harmful substance use (alcohol, drugs, etc.).

​

3. Support mental well-being

  • Objective: Encourage and facilitate mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and access to mental health resources for youth.

​

4. Empower community members through education

  • Objective: Provide knowledge and resources to community members (parents, caregivers, educators, etc.) to support youth.

​

5. Stigma reduction

  • Objective: Decrease the negative perceptions and discrimination surrounding substance misuse and mental health issues.

​

6. Expand outreach to create a healthier tomorrow

  • Objective: Increase the reach of services, education, and support, aiming for long-term positive outcomes for the community and future generations.

​

Meet the Task Force

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Accomplishments 

Over the past several years, the AWARE Drug and Alcohol Community Coalition has made significant strides in its mission to prevent substance misuse, including alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and other drugs, educate the community, and engage in impactful events.

​

Click the button below to read about some of the key accomplishments that highlight the task force's dedication to building a healthier community:

bottom of page