Mayor Jon Costas has named Valparaiso’s Substance Abuse Task Force, united “to prevent and reduce the negative consequences of drug abuse,” according to its mission statement. The Task Force is part of the city’s Substance Abuse Prevention Initiative, introduced by Costas in December. 
“We’re committing resources, organization, and enthusiasm to creating an environment where our young people know better and do better,” said Costas. “Focusing funds and energy here will save us from losing children to alcohol or drug addiction. To auto accidents fueled by alcohol. To the legal system. Our initiative is sustainable. Our results will be measurable. And we hope that our commitment is contagious throughout the entire county,” he said.
Valpo’s Substance Abuse Task Force includes:
Garner Tullis, Bethel Valparaiso - All Nation's Church
Rich Schmidt, Living Hope Community Church
Greg Carter, Liberty Bible Church
Dave Bauer, Family Concern Counseling
John Albers, Faith Memorial Lutheran Church
(Representative to be determined) St. Paul or St. Thersea
Lynn Bremer, Immanuel Lutheran
Jane Scupham, St. Paul Catholic Church
Stacey Schmidt, Valparaiso School Corporation
Chris Fields, Valparaiso School Corporation
Todd Coffin, Valparaiso School Corporation
Jim Sarkisian, Valparaiso School Corporation
Jan Dick, City of Valparaiso
Art Elwood, City of Valparaiso
Mike Brickner, City of Valparaiso
John Seibert, City of Valparaiso
Dave Nondorf, City of Valparaiso
Lori Good, City of Valparaiso
Bill Oeding, City of Valparaiso
Elliott Miller, Porter-Starke Services
Rocco Schiralli, Porter-Starke Services
Bob Franko, Porter-Starke Services
Beth Wrobel, HealthLinc Community Health Center
Nancy VanVolkenburgh, Family & Youth Services Bureau
Paula Dranger, Choices Counseling
Kurt Gillins, Chamber of Commerce
Lee Lane, Chamber of Commerce
Bill Trowbridge, Chamber of Commerce
John Scheibel, The Times
Nathan Felton, VHS Student Council
Mike Goin, Indiana National Guard
Jennifer Wright, Boys & Girls Club of Porter County
Bob Wanek, Valparaiso Family YMCA
Rob Behrend, Valpo Americans
Doug Pierce, Valparaiso Resident
Peter Khosla, Valparaiso Resident
Brenda Sheetz, Porter County Community Foundation
Laurie Griffith, Porter County United Way
Valpo’s initiative is in response to a countywide substance abuse problem, indicated by high numbers of arrests and drug-related deaths. Valparaiso has earmarked $100,000 to fund this important initiative and also looks to offset costs through private donations.
Valpo’s effort has hit the ground running in 2010. Nationally recognized Life Skills training has already begun throughout the city’s middle schools and a full-time Resource Officer is being appointed at Valparaiso High School. The newly-formed task force will meet soon and begin working on plans which will be implemented by mid-year.