Community Council Against Substance Abuse

Home
United States
Ocala, FL
Community Council Against Substance Abuse

Working together to reduce the impact of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and other drugs on our youth.

CCASA exists to be the community organizer and subject matter experts on substance use prevention, intervention, and treatment trends and data. With this information, CCASA strives to employ data driven, scientific approaches to reducing youth substance use and strives to benefit hundreds of community partners. Our mission is to improve the lives of Marion County children. Our vision is to collabo

rate and create a community where drug prevention, intervention and treatment is commonplace and youth are inspired and empowered to advocate for themselves and make healthy choices.

05/29/2026

We hope to see you tonight.
🎬 Friday Night Done Right – Movie Night at Midtown Station!
Join us for a family-friendly movie night featuring the movie 🍿 Inside Out! Enjoy free snacks and swag (while supplies last), grab dinner or treats from Midtown Station vendors, and relax with the community for a fun evening.
This event is a reminder that young people can have a great Friday night without drugs or alcohol — just fun, friends, and a great movie!
📅 May 29, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Midtown Station
235 NE Watula Ave, Ocala, FL
Hosted by MCCA’s CCASA & SKIP programs.
This event is open to the community, and Midtown Station restaurants will remain open for normal business.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and enjoy a great night out! 🍿

05/28/2026

Domestic violence doesn’t only leave physical scars — it can deeply impact a person’s mental health. 💜
This survey from the National Domestic Violence Hotline shows how emotional and mental health coercion are commonly used in abusive relationships. Many survivors are made to question their own reality, discouraged from seeking help, or made to feel ashamed for struggling emotionally.
Mental health challenges and substance use can also become connected in these situations. Some individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with trauma, fear, anxiety, or depression caused by abuse. Unfortunately, this can create an even more dangerous cycle of isolation, control, and emotional pain.
No one deserves to feel trapped, unheard, or alone. Support, healing, and hope are possible. By talking openly about domestic violence, mental health, and substance use, we help break the stigma and encourage others to seek help safely.
If you or someone you know needs support:
💜 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
💚 SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

05/27/2026

🎬 Friday Night Done Right – Movie Night at Midtown Station!
Join us for a family-friendly movie night featuring the movie 🍿 Inside Out! Enjoy free snacks and swag (while supplies last), grab dinner or treats from Midtown Station vendors, and relax with the community for a fun evening.
This event is a reminder that young people can have a great Friday night without drugs or alcohol — just fun, friends, and a great movie!
📅 May 29, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Midtown Station
235 NE Watula Ave, Ocala, FL
Hosted by MCCA’s CCASA & SKIP programs.
This event is open to the community, and Midtown Station restaurants will remain open for normal business.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and enjoy a great night out! 🍿
See less

05/26/2026

The transition into adulthood can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Mental health and substance use challenges are more common than many people realize — and no one should feel like they have to face them alone. 💚
According to SAMHSA:
• 8.8 million young adults reported having a mental illness
• 5.1 million young adults reported having a substance use disorder
• Many young adults go without treatment and support
Common signs can include:
▪️ Changes in sleep or appetite
▪️ Loss of interest in hobbies or friends
▪️ Anxiety or hopelessness
▪️ Extreme mood changes
▪️ Difficulty functioning day to day
It’s okay to ask for help. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit SAMHSA.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

05/25/2026

We are so incredibly privileged to work alongside such amazing kiddos every single day. 💙
Receiving this recognition from Bridgeway Academy for the Bridgeway Academy Work Study Program is such an honor for the Marion County Children's Alliance Community Council Against Substance Abuse team.
This award represents so much more than a plaque — it represents partnerships, opportunities, inclusion, and believing in the potential of every student. We are proud to help create employment pathways and lasting student success while supporting young people as they grow in confidence, independence, and purpose.
To the incredible students we serve: thank you for inspiring us with your hard work, determination, and heart. You are the reason we do what we do. ✨

05/24/2026

05/21/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize the strong connection between mental health and substance use. 💚
Many individuals struggling with mental health challenges may also face substance use issues at the same time. Changes in mood, behavior, friendships, motivation, attendance, or physical appearance can all be warning signs that someone may need support.
Awareness and early intervention matter. By having open conversations and reducing stigma, we can help connect individuals and families to the resources they need.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You are never alone. 💚

05/19/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚
Mental health matters at every age, and recognizing the warning signs early can make a life-changing difference. Sometimes struggles may look like withdrawal, sudden mood changes, excessive worry, risk-taking behaviors, or changes in sleep and daily habits.
One of the most important things we can do is create safe spaces for youth and families to talk openly, ask questions, and seek support without fear or judgment.
You are not alone, and help is available. Awareness, education, and compassion can save lives. 💚

05/18/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for our Quarterly Educational Workshop!
The CCASA team is grateful to all of the community members, partners, and attendees who took the time to learn more about Florida’s medical ma*****na laws, processes, and responsibilities. Educational conversations like these are so important as we continue working together to keep our community informed and safe.
A special thank you to our incredible presenters from Florida A&M University’s Medical Ma*****na Education and Research Initiative (MMERI):
💙 Michelle Wilson, Associate Director of Training & Community Engagement
💙 Anthony Washington, Statewide Outreach Coordinator
We truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge and expertise with our community.
Thank you as well to everyone who helped make this workshop possible, including Marion County Children’s Alliance, SKIP, and the Marion County Hospital District for supporting prevention and education efforts throughout Marion County.

Address

3482 NW 10th Street
Ocala, FL
34475

Telephone

+3524385992

Website

http://www.mcchildrensalliance.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Community Council Against Substance Abuse posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Community Council Against Substance Abuse:

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Ocala?