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Building Safer Communities Through Evidence-Based Prevention in Schools

n an era when drug abuse and violence continue to threaten The success in Collier County is remarkable. After piloting
America's youth, one nonprofit organization is making a the program in select schools, L.E.A.D. is now taught to fifth
I significant impact through its comprehensive, school-based graders in 29 elementary public schools, six charter schools, and
prevention programs. L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against three private schools throughout the county. The Collier County
Drugs and Violence) has established itself as a national leader Sheriff's Office maintains the largest cadre of L.E.A.D. instructors
in protecting young people from the dangers of substance in the nation, with 58 deputies certified to teach the curriculum.
abuse, bullying, and violence through evidence-based education This commitment demonstrates the deep partnership between law
delivered by trained law enforcement officers. enforcement and education in protecting the county's youth.
A Proven Approach to Prevention Sheriff Rambosk discovered the program in 2019 and has been
L.E.A.D. offers the top, evidence-based, school-based instrumental in its expansion throughout Florida. His dedication
drug and violence prevention curriculum, which serve as the earned him L.E.A.D.'s National Partner of the Year award in
cornerstone of the organization's effective, tested, and proven 2021, recognizing his commitment to protecting children from
prevention strategies. By combining law enforcement expertise drug and violence risks.
with educational best practices, L.E.A.D. creates meaningful Growing Presence in Southwest Florida
connections between officers, students, educators, and "We are proud to have our development office headquarters in
community leaders. Naples and to partner with many other nonprofit organizations
The organization's mission is clear: to create safer, healthier and leaders throughout southern west Florida," said L.E.A.D.
communities free from drugs, bullying, and violence. L.E.A.D. CEO Nick DeMauro. The Naples headquarters, which celebrated
achieves this vision by collaborating with educators, community its grand opening in 2023, represents the organization's growing
leaders, families, and support organizations across all 50 states, investment in the region and its commitment to expanding
providing comprehensive training and resources to ensure evidence-based prevention programs throughout Florida and
program effectiveness. beyond.
Collier County: A National Model Through strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies,
Collier County is L.E.A.D.'s largest county-wide program, schools, and community organizations, L.E.A.D. continues to
supported by the Collier County Sheriff's Department, Marco expand its reach, providing young people with the knowledge and
Island Police Department, and the Naples Police Department. skills they need to make healthy decisions and avoid the dangers of
This partnership has transformed the county into a model for drugs, bullying, and violence. The organization's success in Collier
school-based prevention initiatives nationwide. "We are proud County serves as a blueprint for communities nationwide seeking
to partner with L.E.A.D. and be the leader in school-based effective prevention solutions.
prevention throughout the United States," notes Collier County For more information about L.E.A.D. and its nationwide mission
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, who serves as First Vice Chair on to build safer communities through drug and violence prevention, visit
L.E.A.D.'s Board of Directors. LEADrugs.org and look for the new Safer Communities Podcast,
presented by L.E.A.D., on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Life in Naples | December 2025 19