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
  • A letter of recommendation from a teacher, a counselor, or a community member that can speak to your skills and personal qualities.
  • Attend 80% of all scheduled meetings and events unless excused

2025
  • Monday, September 22, 2025 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, October 27, 2025 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, November 24, 2025 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Thursday, December 11–2:30 PM — 4:00 PM – MDC Community Champion Awards
  • Monday, December 22 – 6:00–8:00 PM – Christmas Dinner
2026
  • Saturday, January 17 – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM – YMDC Retreat
  • Monday, January 26 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, February 23 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, March 23 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Saturday, March 28 – 9:00 AM–12:30 PM – YMDC 5K Race
  • Monday, April 27 – 6:00–7:30 PM – YMDC Meeting
  • Monday, May 25 – 6:00–8:00 PM – End-of-Year Ceremony

This timeline is subject to change depending on coalition needs.

To be considered, all applications must be received by Friday, September 5th at 11:59 PM EST, AND all recommendations must be emailed to youthmetrodrugcoalition@gmail.com by September 12th at 11:59 PM EST.
Applicants will be notified of their application status on September 15, 2025.

For additional information, please use the Contact Us button below to send us an email.