Lake County is celebrating a major recognition after Be Free Lake, Inc., the county’s drug prevention coalition, was awarded the 2025 Drug Prevention Coalition of the Year Award at the Community Coalition Alliance and Drug Free America Foundation’s Power of Prevention Conference on Dec. 8 in Ocala. Out of all 67 Florida counties, Lake County ranked first in serving the highest percentage of Floridians with free drug prevention and educational resources.

The award honors a coalition whose leadership and innovation have made a significant impact on prevention, education and community wellness. This year’s recognition highlights the work of Be Free Lake Executive Director Delrita Meisner and her team, whose programs have reached communities across the county and beyond.

Be Free Lake has become a leading force for prevention in Lake County, building programs that raise awareness and empower young people and families to make healthy, informed choices. Its nationally recognized You’re Not Aloneprogram trains student ambassadors to advocate for mental health and reduce stigma, while other efforts such as Mental Health First Aid and The Facts. Your Future. provide essential education and support.

These initiatives now reach every high school in Lake County, equipping thousands of students with tools to lead with courage and compassion. Over the 2024–25 fiscal year, Be Free Lake’s prevention work extended statewide through media campaigns, youth programs, naloxone trainings and community outreach, reaching more than one million Floridians.

The award reflects the coalition’s broad impact and commitment to building healthier, safer communities throughout the region. Photos of the event were taken by Destiny Sanchez, outreach coordinator for the Community Coalition Alliance and Drug Free America Foundation.

Photos provided by Destiny Sanchez