Our community coalitions work with key stakeholders across the twelve sectors of the community to create a comprehensive approach to reducing substance-related challenges. Through this collaborative approach, we are able to address these challenges from multiple angles and create lasting change in our community.
Prevention Coalition of Mercer County
The Prevention Coalition of Mercer County is a vibrant community that promotes and provides choices that support healthy lifestyles.
The Prevention Coalition’s mission is to reduce substance abuse in youth and across the lifespan by collaborating resources and coordinating planning, in order to offer opportunities for building a healthy mind, body, and spirit for all residents of Mercer County.
Who We Are
Since 2012, the PCMC has been an established substance abuse prevention coalition serving the 12 municipalities of Mercer County. We are made up of county leadership, law enforcement, educators, parents, youth, healthcare professionals, faith communities, municipal alliances, business professionals, civic and volunteer community organizations and individual members of the community.
It is vital to the health of our community that effective, coordinated prevention and treatment services be available. Alcohol, tobacco and other drug use problems directly and indirectly affect thousands of residents in Mercer County.
In the Community
The Prevention Coalition strives to be deeply connected throughout our local community, and we are so thankful to partner with a number of community-based organizations, local school districts, law enforcement offices, and more in order to bring awareness to current and ongoing trends of substance use and misuse.
We are proud to partner with numerous local businesses and community-based organizations, and are honored to have a voice on a number of Boards and Committees. If you are interested in joining the PCMC, please email pcmc@mercercouncil.org.
Events and Resources
The PCMC hosts a number of events and offers various resources throughout the year. For Mercer County prevention and support resources, please visit our Prevention Hub. Read on below to learn more what the PCMC has going on throughout the year.
The Prevention Coalition of Mercer County meets monthly on the second Wednesday, from 9-11am at the Mercer Council Office.
Each month, community members and leaders, parents, business owners, and partners come together to discuss the latest in local and national substance use trends and legislative changes that impact our community. It is our hope that our community will band together to encourage a healthier, safer and more responsible Mercer County!
For updates on our next Coalition Meeting, please visit our Upcoming Events page. Email pcmc@mercercouncil.org for more information.
The PCMC is proud to offer free Naloxone (Narcan) trainings to the community! Co-sponsored by Mercer Council, these trainings are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond in the event of an opioid overdose.
Narcan Trainings are available to anyone 15 years or older. Each person who attends the training will receive a Narcan kit with two 4 milligram doses of Narcan. Please note that space is limited to the first 30 participants on a “first come, first served” basis.
At this time, we do not have any upcoming Narcan Trainings scheduled. If you would like to request a Narcan training for your group, team, staff etc. please fill out our Request for Services form or contact Malissa Arnold at pcmc@mercercouncil.org.
The Prevention Awards Breakfast is held annually on the second Wednesday in June and is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to honor the individuals, agencies and businesses that are making significant contributions to prevention around Mercer County. These distinguished awardees are committed to promoting healthy, safe and responsible communities and we want to celebrate their efforts.
Join us as we celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who have made a difference in our communities!
Join us for National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. The Mercer Council team participates in National Night Out events all across Mercer County and is always looking for the support of our PCMC members to join us in promoting prevention.
This event happens annually on the first Tuesday in August. For more information on how to represent the PCMC in your local community, please contact Caitlin Allen at callen@mercercouncil.org.
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)Â is a global event held annually in August that seeks to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma of addiction and drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends when someone they love is fighting a battle with their addiction.
Each year, Mercer Council’s event features a powerful lineup of resources, speakers and demonstrations aimed at honoring those lost to overdose, supporting those in recovery, and fostering community education, resilience, and unity. For more information, please visit our IOAD webpage or email pcmc@mercercouncil.org.
Youth Coalition of Mercer County
The Youth Coalition of Mercer County mission is to provide youth with the tools to be their authentic selves.
The YCMC is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth in Mercer County. Our evidence-informed programming and community partnerships provide local youth with space, resources, and accommodations to thrive. We strive to engage influential citizens of the community to drive our mission forward.
The goals of the YCMC are to:
- Facilitate evidence-informed programming for local youth
- Establish relationships with community partners
- Engage in activity-based learning
- Build partnerships with local school districts and youth-serving organizations
- Provide space, resources, and accommodations for local youth
Join Us
Middle school, high school, and university freshman and sophomores are invited to inquire about membership, involvement, and volunteer opportunities. To inquire about the Youth Coalition, please contact Charlene Phelps at cphelps@mercercouncil.org.