Drug Free Community Coalition of Chemung County

10/16/2026

Looking for some Halloween fun with the family? There are plenty of opportunities to get out, enjoy some treats, and celebrate the season throughout our community!

👻 Check out these upcoming events:

📍 October 17 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Weis Markets – Elmira
401 N. Main St., Elmira, NY

📍 October 23 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
5th Annual Wicked Wisner Trunk-or-Treat
231 W. Water St., Suite 102, Elmira, NY

📍 October 24 | 4–7 p.m.
Bath Planet Annual Trunk-or-Treat
1924 Grand Central Ave., Horseheads, NY

📍 October 24 | 3–5 p.m.
Williams Kia Trunk-or-Treat
951 County Road 64, Elmira, NY

📍 October 25 | 4–6 p.m.
Community Wesleyan Church Fall Festival
2095 Grand Central Ave., Horseheads, NY

📍 October 30 | 4:30 p.m.
Trunk-or-Treat at Elmira High School
777 S. Main St., Elmira, NY

📍 October 30 | 4–6 p.m.
Howard Hanna Trunk-or-Treat
2783 Westinghouse Road, Horseheads, NY

Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the treats!

10/14/2026

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Drop off your unused or expired medications between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for safe disposal. Can’t make it that day? Check with a local pharmacy or law-enforcement agency about year-round disposal.

10/12/2026

Have questions about marijuana/cannabis?
Check out the Office of Cannabis Management's toolkit here: https://cannabishonestly.org/

Start with facts, not fear, judgment, or rumors. The Cannabis Honestly toolkit offers practical information about:
•Cannabis basics, including what is legal and what is not
•How to talk with kids when the conversation feels uncomfortable
•Questions to consider when making informed decisions
•Cannabis impacts, safer storage, and knowing when to get help

It also includes a Cannabis Conversation Starter to help families find the right words for where they are right now.

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day. You never know what someone may be carrying when you ask, “How are you doing?” A kind word, a genuine check-in, or simply letting someone know you are there can mean more than you realize. Choose encouragement over judgment. Listen before making assumptions. Remind the people around you that they matter.

10/08/2026

Parents and caregivers: sometimes the first step is noticing a change. Maybe a young person is sleeping differently, pulling away from friends, losing interest in activities, seeming more worried, or having a harder time managing everyday responsibilities.

Try this:

1. Notice: “I’ve noticed things seem different lately.”
2. Ask: “How have things been feeling for you?”
3. Listen: Give them time to answer without rushing to fix it.
4. Follow up: Check in again and connect with a trusted adult or professional if concerns continue.

10/06/2026

Protective factors are the people, relationships, skills, and conditions that help individuals and families navigate stress and recover from setbacks. They can include:
•A trusted adult who listens
•A stable routine and safe place to rest
•Opportunities to contribute and belong
•Healthy ways to manage strong feelings
•Access to care, transportation, food, housing, and other supports
Protective factors do not erase challenges. They give people more support and more options

10/01/2026

This October lets make wellness visible, not as a perfect destination, but as a set of small, repeatable choices. Prevention is one way we can accomplish this. Prevention could look like checking in with a neighbor, listening to your child or friend without judgment, creating a safer home environment, asking for help early, or making time to rest.

What's one way you will improve wellness this month, either for yourself, or for those around you?

09/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who took the time to show up, share your ideas, and be part of the conversation. Your voices and continued commitment help make our community stronger and healthier.

We appreciate all that you do and look forward to seeing everyone again next month out in the community.

09/28/2026

Looking for a better way to talk about cannabis?

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or young person, having accurate information can make conversations about cannabis a little easier.

Cannabis Honestly offers straightforward information about cannabis, its potential impacts, safety, and tips for having honest conversations without the scare tactics or judgment.

Take a look at this resource and share it with someone who might find it helpful. 👇

Understanding the facts about cannabis makes every conversation better. Cannabis Honestly shares evidence-informed cannabis education for adults and youth.

09/25/2026

You don't have to wait until there's a problem to talk about substance use. Talking early and talking often helps make these conversations feel more natural.

Ask what your teen is seeing at school. Talk about peer pressure. Talk about what they would do if a friend offered them something. And most importantly, let them know they can come to you without fear of judgment.