Drug-Free Communities Support Program

The Community Partners Coalition serves the Texas counties of Smith, Anderson, Henderson, Cherokee, Rains, Wood and Van Zandt, both rural and suburban areas with a population of 443,782. The goals of the coalition are to: 1) reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, adults; and 2) establish and strengthen community collaboration. To achieve these goals the Community Partners Coalition will implement the following strategies:
1) conduct awareness campaigns that set clear rules and expectations regarding underage drinking and drug use to youth, parents, schools and community members;
2) promote and provide opportunities for youth to learn skills to resist negative peer pressure;
3) promote and provide positive alternative youth activities;
4) provide opportunities for a multi-disciplinary approach to prevention;
5) address family risk factors through parent training sessions and educational programs; and
6) utilize marketing strategies to provide greater impact and visibility of coalition efforts.CA/NCF