Who Are We?

The Youth Metro Drug Coalition (YMDC) is a youth-led initiative under the Metro Drug Coalition that empowers Knox County high schoolers to advocate for substance misuse prevention and promote mental health awareness in their communities.  

If you’re interested in expanding your public health knowledge and building valuable life skills, we encourage you to apply. As a member of the coalition, you’ll receive education on a variety of public health topics:  

  • Different types of substances and their effects 

  • How to identify and address substance misuse 

  • Strategies to promote mental health well-being.  

Why Join YMDC?

The YMDC is committed to creating meaningful change around youth substance use and mental health issues. Through this program, you’ll gain tools to have supportive conversations with your peers and live a life above the influence.  

In addition to public health education, YMDC members will develop valuable career and leadership skills:  

  • Public Speaking 
  • Project Management 
  • Team Collaboration 
  • Advocacy 
  • Outreach  

Once accepted into the program, members may apply to serve in one of the follow executive positions:  

  • Chair  
  • Vice Chair  
  • Secretary 
  • Media Relations Coordinator.  

For more details about the responsibilities of each position and program guidelines, please refer to the YMDC Bylaws.

This is an opportunity for like-minded teens to unite, grow, and make an impact!  

Ready to join?

Apply for YMDC

  • A current 9th-12th grader
  • Reside and/or attend a school in Knox County
  • Passionate for creating change around substance misuse and mental health issues
  • Attend 80% of all scheduled meetings and events unless excused

2026
  • Monday, April 27, 2026 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, May 25, 2026 – 6:00–8:00 PM – End-of-Year Ceremony

  • Saturday, July 25, 2026 – 10:00am-2:00pm – Summer Retreat

  • Monday, August 24, 2026 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, September 28, 2026 – 6:00 –7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, October 26, 2026 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, November 23, 2026 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • December Meeting/Christmas Party – Date TBD

2027

  • January’s Winter Retreat – Date TBD
  • Monday, January 25, 2027 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • February Day on the Hill in Nashville – Date TBD
  • Monday, February 22, 2027 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, March 22, 2027 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, April 26, 2027 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, May 24, 2027 – 6:00–8:00 PM – End of Year Ceremony

*Day on the Hill attendance and any other events during the school day is dependent upon principal approval. If you are unable to attend, it will not be counted against your attendance. Additionally, dates are subject to change depending on coalition needs. Times and dates for other community events and volunteer opportunities will be shared throughout the year.

To be considered, all applications must be received by Friday, May 15 at 11:59 PM EST.
Applicants will be notified of their application status on Monday, June 1.

For questions, please contact the YMDC Advisor, Maria at mvalerio@metrodrug.org