About Our Coalition
Learn more about our Weakley County Prevention Coalition story, our members, and the missions we serve.
Trust Worthy
We are trusted in Weakley County to give the best tools and services for our mission of being drug-free.
Experienced
Professional
We keep our organization professional by providing the community with tools, resources, events, and knowledge.
Who We Are
Our Mission
The mission of the Weakley County Prevention Coalition is to plan and implement strategies to prevent and reduce substance abuse and its consequences thereby enhancing the lives of youth and adults across Weakley County Tennessee.
Our Vision
The vision of the Weakley County Prevention Coalition is to create a safe, tobacco-free, and drug-free community by uniting individuals and groups toward a common goal.
The average age of initiation of prescription drug misuse
TN Together Survey 2018-2019
The average age of initiation for e-cigarette use
TN Together Survey 2018-2019
The average age of initiation for alcohol use
TN Together Survey 2018-2019
About Us
The Weakley County Prevention Coalition is one of only a very few original community-based prevention organizations in Tennessee, which began in the late 1980’s with the vision of the late Governor Ned Ray McWherter. The Coalition was formed in response to the alarming consequences individual communities encountered due to underage tobacco and alcohol use and the disturbing trends in marijuana and cocaine use and abuse by youth and adults. McWherter understood that by joining together community representatives were more knowledgeable as to the risk and protective factors impacting substance use issues. He also knew the state would be best served by recognizing successful efforts to reduce and/or eliminate the negative behaviors and consequences of the tobacco, alcohol, and substance abuse.
Today, the Weakley County Prevention Coalition is one of dozens of established coalitions in Tennessee, funded by state and federal grants to address tobacco, underage and binge drinking, and prescription drug misuse. WCPC also offers Lifeline Recovery services, as well as community Narcan training.
Do You Know Us?
Weakley County Prevention Coalition Board
CATHERINE JONES, WCPC CHAIR
Parental Involvement and Teacher Center Coordinator with Weakley County Schools
SUZANNE HARPER, WCPC VICE CHAIR
Director of PR/ Marketing with Twin Oaks Technology
MICHELLE THOMAS, TREASURER
Marketing Support Coordinator with SERVPRO
CHELSEA WHITE, SECRETARY
Public Health Educator with Weakley County Health Department
GARY EDDINGS, LAW ENFORCEMENT LIASON
Deputy with the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department
A WORD FROM OUR VICE CHAIR
“I truly consider WCPC to be a cornerstone organization in Weakley County in their efforts to make our community safe, healthy and drug-free. It is an amazing thing to see all 12 sectors working together for the betterment of Weakley County and the future of our youth. Whether you are in the health-care field, work with the school system, or are a concerned parent – every single person in WCPC brings something essential to the table. We hope you consider WCPC to be a community resource, and also a much greater cause to be a part of. All are welcome!”
SUZANNE HARPER
A WORD FROM OUR secretary
“I am so proud to be apart of an organization that’s always innovating. Watching the leadership adapt to the ‘new normal’ brought about by Covid-19 restrictions has been absolutely inspiring. I have the opportunity to work with counterparts from the nineteen rural counties in West Tennessee, and the Weakley County Prevention Coalition consistently receives praise for their accomplishments region, state, and nation wide.“