As I am new to the position of Project Coordinator for CACTC, I am often asked, “who is CACTC and what do you do?” So I thought for my article this week, I would answer these questions. What is a coalition?:A coalition is a formal arrangement for cooperation and collaboration between groups or sectors of the community, in which each group retains its identity but all agree to work together towards a common goal of building a safe, healthy and drug-free community. What is our purpose?:To bring individuals, organizations, and communities together in an atmosphere of support and respect to solve existing and emerging problems too large for one single group to solve alone. How do we help impact social change?:By mobilizing diverse sectors of the community and creating comprehensive strategies that foster effective programs, policies and practices, coalitions help to reduce substance abuse and its related problems in their communities.What makes us unique?: - Coalitions recognize that every community is different.
- Coalitions assess their community’s individual drug and alcohol problems and develop local targeted solutions.
- Coalitions use multiple approaches to ensure that all causes of substance abuse are addressed.
- Coalitions work with all sectors of the community—from schools and businesses, to healthcare providers, faith organizations, treatment providers, law enforcement, government, parent groups, the media and recovery groups—to develop a comprehensive community-wide prevention plan
What strategies do we use?: Provide Information—educate community through presentations, workshops, PSAs, billboards, etc.ü Enhance Skills—train members of coalition and community on skills needed to achieve change.ü Provide Support—create opportunities/activities that reduce risk factors or enhance protection (e.g. alternative activities, mentoring, clubs, referrals, etc.) Enhance Access/Reduce Barriers—make it easier to access services, such as treatment, healthcare, childcare, housing, education, etc.ü Change consequences—create incentives or disincentives for certain behaviors. (e.g. increase taxes, public recognition for good behavior.)ü Change Physical Design—Change environment to reduce risk or enhance protection. (e.g. add lighting, remove alcohol advertisements near schools)ü Modify/Change Policies--Change laws, proceduresProof that we work:A study of the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) program, which funds community coalitions, found that in communities where there are DFC coalitions, substance use rates among high-school students were significantly lower than national rates. • Current use of marijuana among high school students in DFC communities is 9.9% lower than national average. • Average youth alcohol use in DFC communities is 23.3% lower than national average.• Annual tobacco use is 10% lower in DFC communities than national average. Prevention works:• Prevention efforts are showing concrete results, and have largely contributed to the 24% decline in overall youth drug use over the past six years.• Every dollar spent on drug abuse prevention yields a $15 savings. Savings include reduced health care costs, law enforcement, other social and welfare services, and increased productivity. How can you help? Join our coalition effort- Call Judie Murphy at 756-5992 x25 or e-mail at
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