courtesy of Chesterfield County

Substance Abuse Free Environment Inc., or SAFE, has been named a Got Outcomes! Coalition of Excellence award winner by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.

The award is given each year to coalitions that have successfully reduced substance abuse in their communities through evidence-based strategies and practices. This year, four coalitions were honored nationwide.

“This prestigious award speaks to the will of Chesterfield County to maintain the highest standards of excellence and safety by addressing substance abuse proactively,” said Wayne Frith, executive director of SAFE.

Chesterfield County saw a 44 percent decline in inhalant use among eighth-graders between 2005 and 2007, according to the 2007 Prevention Needs Assessment Survey administered to county students. Also, sales of alcohol to underage buyers involved in compliance checks declined 39 percent between 2007 and 2008.

Representatives from SAFE accepted the award in February during CADCA’s annual training conference in National Harbor, Md. CADCA is a nonprofit organization that supports community coalitions in their efforts to create drug-free communities. SAFE representatives who accepted the award at the February CADCA conference, included, from left, Mary Lib Morgan, prevention specialist with Chesterfield County Public Schools, Cris Sheppard, chair of the SAFE Board of Directors, and Sharyl Adams, substance abuse prevention specialist with Chesterfield County Youth Planning and Development.