FY 2004 Continuation Drug-Free Communities Support Program

The Healthy Communities Initiative Drug Free Community Council of St. Joseph County serves a population of approximately 265,000 residents with over 41% living in the city of South Bend, another 18% in the city of Mishawaka, and the remaining 41% in the rural farming areas. The goals of the DFCC are to: 1) reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among middle school youth; and, 2) expand and strengthen the local coordinating council in their efforts to prevent and reduce ATOD among youth. To achieve these goals, the coalition will implement the following strategies:
1) increase the number of youth in science-based ATOD prevention programs with a special focus on Hispanic and other minority youth and those living in rural areas;
2) collaborate with local businesses to reduce the sale of alcohol and tobacco to youth;
3) expand the capacity of the communication plan to effectively disseminate ATOD information in the community;
4) increase awareness of youth ATOD problems in the community;
5) strengthen the local coordinating council and their efforts to present an effective community response to ATOD use;
6) increase membership in the DFCC with an emphasis on youth participation; and,
7) increase and promote youth leadership.
CA/NCF