Let’s Get to Know Each Other

Your Loved Ones are Our Family

The NOPE, Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education, Task Force is a 501-c3 nonprofit organization that was formed in Palm Beach County, Florida in 2004. Comprised of community leaders and concerned families working diligently to save the lives of those affected by substance abuse, the Hillsborough Chapter was established in 2011.

Powerful presentation and VERY necessary! The saddest part of this extraordinary service to others are the immeasurable losses that were suffered in order for this organization to exist. Gratitude and prayers go out to all.

— Regan Thompson Garcia, Attendee of 2016 St. Stephen’s Catholic School Presentation

Understanding
Our Loved Ones

Our Presentations

NOPE for Students

NOPE Hillsborough delivers high impact presentations to middle and high school students about the consequences of drug consumption. Our network of members presents purposefully blunt and emotional messages to our county’s 100+ schools. The school resource officer shares grim stories of making death notifications to distraught families and parents who’ve lost children to drug overdose.  The response from students and faculty members has been very positive. Many students have gone to seek guidance for themselves or for their friends after attending our presentations.

NOPE for Parents and Other Community Members

NOPE Hillsborough offers interactive presentations to parents and community members. These presentations inform participants about the reality our nation faces regarding substance abuse and overdose deaths. We make sure parents know that their children can be confronted about using drugs anywhere they go; such as school bus stops, in school cafeterias, on a trip to the movie theater with friends, or even on their computer. Our team goes over parenting tips, suggestions and strategies to combat these drug related issues. We pin point the signs of drug use and and the best ways to speak with your child regarding drugs. Parents may ask questions or request to speak privately with one of our members. These presentations can be given in community centers, schools, religious halls, and beyond.

Annual Candle Light Vigil

This year we will host our vigil on October 19, 2023. The viewing of our Memorial Wall starts at 6 pm and the program begins at 7 pm. The location is Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Florida. The address is 5000 Central Avenue.

If you would like to add your loved one’s photo to our Memorial Wall at this year’s vigil please email it to NOPEhillsborough@gmail.com with a dedication message by October 10, 2023. You can add this same memorial virtually on our website’s memorial wall.

We continue to honor those lives lost to substance-related deaths, we provide support for those living with and loving someone struggling with substance use disorder, and we lift up those fighting the disease of addiction on a daily basis.

Remember that you can always call 211 for a mental health crisis at any time of day. You are NOT alone.

Be well. Be safe. Be kind.

Meet Some Of The Team

CathyValdes

CATHY VALDES
Chapter President

LynneKnowles

LYNNE KNOWLES
Vice President

GerriMarsocci

GERRI MARSOCCI
Board Member

JennyShin

JENNY SHIN
Board Member

LeoMarsocci

LEO MARSOCCI
Board Member

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ALINA RODRIGUEZ
Board Member

CindyGrant

CINDY GRANT
Board Member

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BETH BUTLER
Board Member