About Us

Prevention and Response Columbia County (PARCC) was born from the overwhelming Opioid Epidemic. In February of 2015, group of concerned citizens, from a variety of backgrounds came together to address treatment and prevention efforts within our county. To this day, PARCC continues to meet to discuss how we can better serve all populations within Columbia County. PARCC is a non-profit organization and receives funding from several local, state, and federal organizations/entities.

579

home medication lock boxes distributed

From 2022-May 2025.

974

pounds of unused meds collected

Through 2024-25 Drug Take Back Day events as well as permanent drug drop-off boxes in Columbia County, WI.

10+

years in existance

PARCC was founded in 2015.

Our Mission

Through collaborating with Columbia County communities, we identify, guide, support, lead and advocate for prevention and recovery strategies to decrease the occurrence of substance abuse in our county.

Our Vision

Create a healthier Columbia County with sustainable drug-free communities.

Our History

Members from all sectors of Columbia County, WI began meeting in February of 2015 to address the issue of opiate use in our county in response to the heroin crisis. At these meetings, the group worked to identify needs and action steps in the following areas: Prevention/Prepare, Harm Reduction/Response and Treatment/Recovery. The group continues to meet monthly.

During the summer of 2016, a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Coordinator was hired in Columbia County. PARCC had advocated for a MAT Program so our county can provide Columbia County residents 24/7 heroin and opioid help. The MAT Coordinator helps residents access treatment and support for their opioid addictions.

Our Commitment

1) Prevention Strategies

  • Educate, train and advocate for strengthened mental health awareness and environmental policy change.

  • Educate the community on the relationship between youth nicotine, alcohol and other substance initiation, and future health and addiction concern.

2) Reduce Stigma

  • Work to reduce stigma and increase awareness of the disease of addition.

3) Support Harm Reduction

  • Support harm reduction efforts, such as Narcan training and distribution.

  • Support Prescription Drug Take Back Day and safe disposal efforts.

  • Support community-wide medication lockbox distribution in partnership with the Hometown Pharmacy.

4) Support Treatment Efforts

  • Foster community partnerships by supporting public health initiatives.

  • Support law enforcement partnerships through alcohol and tobacco compliance checks, as well as support of drug interdiction efforts.

  • Support the Columbia County Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program, Columbia County OWI Court, Drug Treatment Court, and similar evidence-based efforts working to reduce overdoses and encourage recovery.

  • Foster and support relationships between law enforcement and schools through the Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Program.