The Drug Free Coalition's history began in July 2010 when the Crawford-Marion Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board formed a collaborative group, the Opiate Task Force, to address the rise in heroin and prescription opiate abuse. The Opiate Task Force focused on increasing public awareness through meetings, educational events, and community initiatives.

In 2013, the Opiate Task Force refocused their efforts and changed their name to emphasize community education and youth substance abuse prevention. Under the leadership of Marion Crawford Prevention Programs, Drug Free Marion’s collaborative approach involved partnerships with local agencies, including the ADAMH Board. With the addition of a Coalition Coordinator in 2018, increasing public awareness and providing parent information became the primary focus. The coalition has actively engaged the community in planning, including training members and involving them in decision-making.