In 1991 Mecklenburg County was awarded a $3 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to launch the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fighting Back Project - an initiative to reduce the demand for alcohol and illegal drugs. It was set up as part of a national effort targeting fourteen communities across America - with populations of 100,000 to 250,000, ranging from inner-city neighborhoods to multi-county regions. The Fighting Back Program is now a division of the Mecklenburg County Health Department.

The Mecklenburg County Fighting Back Program is a catalyst for collaboration and requires active participation from many segments of the community. Residents, parents, clergy, business leaders, health professionals, school personnel, judges, law enforcement officials, media, and other community members who are concerned about reducing substance abuse and building stronger communities are involved in this dynamic process.

The Mecklenburg County Fighting Back Program takes the lead in forging partnerships and networks between neighborhood leadership and representatives, community based organizations, practitioners, and others who have a vested interest in the health and well-being of neighborhoods. These networks provide a diverse array of expertise and resources to tackle substance abuse issues.

Fighting Back also creates alliances and bridges divides between neighborhoods to foster information-sharing and strategizing to help effect overall community empowerment and advancement.