BELMONT COUNTY SCHOOLS STAYING CLEAN

The Belmont County Schools Staying Clean (BCSSC) program is a non-profit program to promote drug-free lifestyles for students in middle and high school. The program was introduced and originated under the efforts of retired Martins Ferry Chief of Police, John McFarland. By reaching out to the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, and the local school districts for support, the program grew over the years to now benefit over 1,700 students participating voluntarily. BCSSC promotes random drug testing for youth in middle and high schools that join the program enabling participants to have an excuse from peer pressure and the ability to promote their drug-free lifestyle. Testing days are completed randomly for each school with youth unaware of testing dates. The goals are to promote abstinence from drug usage and provide education on substance abuse while promoting healthy lifestyles.