Drug Free Marion County advocates for a healthier, safer Marion County through prevention and education to reduce substance abuse among youth and adults. Drug Free Marion County works to address the following local challenges: * The use of alcohol and marijuana by Marion County youth in 6th and 8th grade is above state and national averages. * Adults are not sufficiently aware of the level of youth substance use in Marion County. * There is an increasing lack of funding to support adequate collection of data regarding ATOD use by youth. * The number of services available to individuals who are intoxicated or at imminent risk of withdrawal is less that the current need for individuals who do not have a third-party payer or means to pay outright. * Many people are unable to complete treatment as a result of their unmet needs. * Marion County has experienced a significant increase in the use of heroin and other opiates, and this is directly impacting law enforcement efforts and public safety. * The application and enforcement of alcohol regulations is insufficient and too inconsistent to adequately address the number of alcohol permit holders, resulting in increased drinking by minors and likely contributing to an increase in community violence.