Monday, September 13, 2010

SAFE Coalition receives DFC Funding

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition was selected to receive an additional five years of funding for the Drug Free Communities Program. Announcements were made on August 31st.
The SAFE Coalition will receive $125,000 for the next five years to continue the work that began in 2005 making Van Buren County a SAFE place to live by reducing drug, alcohol and tobacco use in youth.

*Strategies to be implemented with the funds include, but are not limited to:
*Working with businesses to address the ease of access of alcohol.
*Collaborating with key community members on a social host ordinance.
*Developing a team of school and community members to address climate at the
school districts– focusing on substance use.
*Developing standardized protocols in both school districts regarding code of
conduct and substance use policies.
*Working with law enforcement in regards to laws related to marijuana use;
ensuring consistency and enforcement.
*Developing relationships with businesses to implement drug free worksite
policies.
*Empowering parents with resources & skills to take action in preventing
substance use.
*Developing a social norming campaign related to the use of marijuana
*Addressing the local conditions of near peers and parties as sources of alcohol
for youth.

The coalition will be hiring one new part time staff person to assist in the efforts. The grant will officially begin on October 1st 2010 and run through September 30th, 2015.

For more information on the grant or any coalition activities please contact Project Director; Heidi Bainbridge at 293-6412.

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