Our Story
Every Person Impacts Community, and at EPIC, we work to make sure people are empowered to positively impact community health and safety by reducing risks associated with substance misuse and by promoting healthy attitudes and behaviors among young people in Southeast Missouri.
A non-profit organization formed in 2000, EPIC provides services to youths, families and the community designed to reduce substance misuse. EPIC receives the support of many community organizations including local law enforcement agencies, Cape Girardeau County Juvenile Office, Missouri Children’s Division, Southeast Missouri State University and other local schools, and the United Way of Southeast Missouri.
EPIC currently receives funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through a STOP Act grant and a Strategic Prevention Frame- Work Partnership for Success (SPF-PFS) grant. EPIC is a funded partner of the United Way of Southeast Missouri and we contract with the Missouri Department of Social Services to provide services for local families.
It starts with
Our Mission
To Join together in a common effort to build a healthy and safe community, reducing the risks of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs while promoting the healthy attitudes and behaviors of youth in Southeast Missouri.
The Team
Meet Our Staff
Mercedes Fort
Project Director, director@epicprevention.org
Beth Derickson, MSW, LCSW
Therapy Services, therapy@epicprevention.org
Cindy Stone
Family Services Coordinator, admin@epicprevention.org
Dr. Chasity Ratliff
Lead Epidemiologist, epi@epicprevention.org
Jamie Hazard
Administration, admin2@epicprevention.org
Jessica Belanger
Family and Community Services Provider, services@epicprevention.org
Shelly Wood
Community Services, pals@epicprevention.org
Stacey Wiley
Parent Services Coordinator, coordinator@epicprevention.org
Special thanks to
Our Board Members
- Pastor Phil Roop
- Board President
- Danny Johnson
- Board Treasurer
- Linda Garner
- Board Secretary
- Donna Bullard
- Board Member
- Carly Bowles
- Board Member
- Waymon Campbell
- Board Member
- Nicholas Cody
- Board Member