Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth Prevention

Westchester County Substance Abuse

Prevention Community Coalitions

There are many different substance abuse prevention organizations in communities throughout Westchester County that address concerns about underage drinking and drug use.  In addition, there is an umbrella organization in the county called the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth.

Most communities have some kind of a prevention initiative.  There are school affiliated groups such as a PTA committee, municipal affiliated groups such as a Youth Council and groups that involve individuals from many different areas (sectors) of the community (police, business, clergy etc.) There are also municipal and non-profit agencies that provide substance abuse prevention services and activities. 

The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy provides funding through the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for Drug Free
Community Coalition (DFC) grants.  The purpose of this funding is to bring together diverse sectors of the community to prevent and reduce underage drinking and youth substance abuse.

The availability of these funds has resulted in an increase in the number of
coalitions in Westchester and the coalitions becoming more structured and
formalized.  There has also been a tremendous expansion in activities.  Examples
include: Public Service Announcements in movie theaters and on local television
featuring local students; posters on train platforms and bus shelters; programs, panels, and speakers for teens and parents; training for health care providers; compliance checks and responsible beverage server trainings; prescription drug take-back days; and substance free recreational activities for youth.

Many community coalitions now have a paid coordinator who works with members of the community including parents, school representatives, law enforcement personnel, businesses, religious leaders, health providers and other community members and organizations who are working at the local level to make their communities safer, healthier and drug-free. If your community does not have an active group concerned about youth substances abuse prevention, the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free youth is able to provide guidance to start or re-activate a local group.

In addition to having individual communities involved in pro-active prevention
activities, (the county-wide umbrella organization that is supported by federal
grants), the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth, is an
important, supportive resource for local coalitions.  This group holds meetings on the first Thursday of the month. During these meetings there are a variety of
presentations for coalition leaders including information on current trends,
the latest research related to underage drinking and drug use, parents’
attitudes toward underage drinking and drug use, and other common issues of
concern. 

In the past year the presentations included information on the reliability of drug
testing, “medical” marijuana, gambling, and media advocacy.  In addition, the Westchester Coalition has held a Youth Leadership Conference for middle and high school students and also organized trainings for the faith community, school personal, law enforcement, and emergency medical technicians.   This
group also organized a project that sent postcards to everyone in the county
who has a child in the middle or high schools entitled, If It’s Not Your
Kid, Whose Kid Is It?  The Westchester Coalition also spearheaded a “Marijuana Prevention” rally for students and coalition leaders on April 20 at the Westchester County Center.  A month later Jack Claypoole, who was then the Associate Deputy Director for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy , speaking at the same venue,  gave an energizing and inspiring talk about
the positive and lasting impact coalitions can have in their communities to
over 150 coalition members.

Currently, as far as can be determined, the following communities have active coalitions making a positive impact on their communities.

· Ardsley-Supporting Ardsley Youth and Families (SAYF)

· Bedford, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge Drug Abuse Prevention Council

· Blind Brook Coalition

· Briarcliff Manor Community Coalition

· Cortlandt Community Coalition

· Croton Community Coalition

· Harrison Youth Council

· Larchmont/Mamaroneck RADAR

· Mount Kisco Drug Abuse Prevention Council

· Mount Vernon Community That Cares

· North Castle Community Coalition

· Ossining Communities that Cares

· Peekskill Agencies Together

· Pelham PACT (Parents and Community Together) Coalition

· Port Chester Cares Community Coalition

· New Rochelle FOCUS, (Families Organized to Curb the Use of Substances)

· Chappaqua, R21K

· Somers Drug Abuse Prevention Council

· Yorktown Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK)

· White Plains Cares

· Yonkers Drug-Free Communities Coalition

If there are other communities that are not listed here that have coalitions
please let us know so they can be added to the list.  In addition, if you have a substance abuse prevention initiative in your community, please consider attending the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 11am to12:30 at Student Assistance Services, 660 White Plains Road, Tarrytown.   Not only will it be informative and educational, but these meetings also offer coalition leaders an opportunity to network, solve problems and learn from one another.  Join us so we can all make
Westchester County a safer place for all our residents.