FY 2004 Continuation Drug-Free Communities Support Program

The Northwest Florida Prevention Coalition serves Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties with a combined population of 416,306. The Coalition has two goals: 1. To reduce substance abuse among the youth of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties; and 2. To increase and strengthen collaboration among all components of the communities within these counties through the development and expansion of the Coalition. The strategies for achieving these goals include: 1. Providing alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention education to youth and parents; 2. Increasing community awareness regarding the incidence of youth substance abuse and community solutions through presentations, technical assistance and information dissemination; 3. Providing outreach and technical assistance to youth-serving programs; and 4. Increasing the number of neighborhood associations/watch groups and other community groups that are actively involved with the Coalition.

The Northwest Florida Coalition targets underage drinking and marijuana use specifically, but fights all drug abuse in general. Employer mailings, billboards, PSAs, brochures, fact sheets, presentations and educational activities targeting youth, parents and the community at large have all been parts of the Coalition's successful media and information campaign. The coalition seeks out and builds relationships with area businesses that participate in information dissemination efforts and that contribute in-kind and financial donations. Additionally, an advertised toll free number allows residents to report sales of alcohol and tobacco to underage youth.

CA/NCF