Park Hill Community Drug Task Force

The Park Hill Community Drug Task Force (PHCDTF) elected new officers for 2007-08 at a luncheon meeting held May 14. From left to right: Treasurer Mary Jo Misner, community volunteer; Chair Dan Coupe, officer, Kansas City Police Department; Co-chair Deb Hammond, assistant to City of Parkville Administrator; and Secretary Stephanie Manning, assistant coordinator of communications and community relations for Park Hill School District.

The mission of the PHCDF is to promote a safe, healthy and drug-free environment in the community. The group, which plans and hosts a variety of family and youth focused events, holds free luncheon meetings monthly throughout the school year. For further information about the group contact Stephanie Manning at (816) 359-6215.  The next scheduled meeting is set for 11:30 a.m. on September 10 at the Park Hill School District administrative offices at 7703 NW Barry Road.

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The Natural Helpers, high school volunteers dedicated to community service, were recognized for their valuable contributions to the Platte County Community Drug Task Force at a luncheon meeting held May 14. Kansas City Police Department officer Dan Coupe, newly elected chair of the task force, presented the awards to the presidents of the group Victoria (Tori) Beckman (left), Park Hill High School and Jamie Ravenscraft, Park Hill South.

Natural Helpers were active participants and supporters of several campaigns and events sponsored by the task force, including the anti-drink and drive campaign :Tie One On:, Safe Prom and Those Who Host Lose the Most, anti-underage drinking campaigns and Red Ribbon Week, an event focused on countering substance abuse and associated violence.

The mission of the PHCDF is to promote a safe, healthy and drug-free environment in the community. The group conducts free luncheon meetings monthly throughout the school year.

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The Park Hill Community Drug Task Force was formed in 1985 under the MO 100 initiative, and one of two Community 2000 teams still functioning at the start of the Community 2000 initiative, in 1993.  While the Park Hill Community Drug Task Force has developed and supported numerous programs, early focus was on awareness and providing safe alternative activities.  Over the years, our focus has evolved to addressing and clarifying community norms and establishing environmental policies. 

Park Hill Community Drug Task Force team members include key community leaders representing all segments of the community, and about 10% have been supporting the team since it was formed. 

Members include:

• Civic Groups
• Division of Family Services
• Local and County Law Enforcement  
• Parents
• Park Hill School District
• Administrators, teachers, counselors and social workers
• Platte County Health Department
• Platte County Juvenile Office
• Platte County Prosecuting Office
• Representatives from Businesses Community
• Representatives from Faith Community
• Students
• University Extension
• YMCA

Home Town Buffet has continued to be an amazing partner, providing free food at many of our programs.  For two years Master Jae’s Martial Arts Academy has held an exhibition with proceeds going to our team.  Numerous businesses help to sponsor our annual New Years Eve Celebration. 

Members have been successfully working together for the past 21 years; thirteen years under the Community 2000, and have worked hard to create measurable change in their community.  Members have involved youth in program planning and implementation. 

Major programs include:

• AFTERhOURS Program
• Annual New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
• Community Awareness Programs
• Developmental Assets – Raising Successful Children
• Educational Programs (for parents and youth)
• Family University
• Parenting For The Drug-Free Years
• Social Marketing Campaigns
• Social Norming Campaigns

The community has been very supportive of our programs and, as a result, we have accomplished numerous outcomes that include:

• Passage of a Minor in Possession Tobacco Ordinance
• Prior to state passage
• Reduction of vendors willing to sell to minors
• Tobacco-Free Campus policy