In a widespread collaboration, the Cuyahoga Falls community launched “Not Me, I’m Drug Free,” an anti-drug campaign that unites the mayor’s office, Cuyahoga Falls and Woodridge school districts, police department, fire department, community businesses and Western Reserve Hospital in an effort to curb drug abuse — especially meth and heroin — in Cuyahoga Falls.
The “Not Me, I’m Drug Free” campaign is designed to educate Cuyahoga Falls area elementary school students about the dangers of using meth and heroin by connecting with them using Facebook, yard signs, posters, T-shirts, incentive cards and much more.
“Drug abuse is a growing problem in Cuyahoga Falls, and we must be proactive as a community to address and minimize this life-destroying problem,” says Mayor Don Walters. “The unique collaboration between my office, the police department, fire department, school district, hospital and local businesses will allow us to provide a consistent, pervasive message throughout Cuyahoga Falls: We are drug free.”
“The effects of these hard drugs are catastrophic to a person’s health and mental well-being,” said Dr. Robert Kent, president and CEO of Western Reserve Hospital. “Western Reserve Hospital has initiated a number of effective programs that seek to improve the overall health of the community, and these bold strides toward reducing drug use will play a huge role in helping us achieve that goal.”
The initiative was launched this May. Students and families who abstain from drugs can take advantage of the “Free-wards” incentive card, which offers valuable perks on food and family activities in and around Cuyahoga Falls. Some of these perks include a free set of ear buds at Western Reserve Hospital, free admission to Water Works Family Aquatic Center, free rentals at Family Video, free food and desserts at many area restaurants and much more.
Additionally, Bob Earley’s Rockin’ on the River, a free concert series held every Friday night throughout the summer in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, will be featuring the “Not Me, I’m Drug Free” campaign on its jumbo stage screens and promotional materials will be handed out at every event.
To learn more about the “Not Me, I’m Drug Free” anti-drug campaign, or to learn more about the devastating effects of heroin and meth abuse, visit and like the Facebook page at Facebook.com/NotMeDrugFree.
