The Union Parish Parish Alliance for Community Transformation (U-ACT) seeks the award of the Department of Health and Human Services' Drug Free Communities Grant in order to aid the Coalition's mission to combat underage drinking and prescription drug misuse, both of which are extremely high and problematic in a rural parish with very limited resources. The mission of U-ACT is to provide resources, training, and support to increase protective factors and opportunities for youth, young adults, and community members that prevent and reduce substance use.
Our Coalition will have two goals: 1) increase community collaboration throughout Union Parish to reduce youth substance use problems; and 2) reduce youth substance use, specifically alcohol and non-medical use of prescription drugs. These goals are the basis of action for a team of experienced professionals in substance abuse, local governance, law enforcement, education, healthcare, media, local commerce, and the community's faith leadership.
The communities to be served by U-ACT are the towns of Farmerville, Bernice, and Marion; villages of Conway, Downsville, Junction City, Lillie, and Spearsville, and three unincorporated communities, Alabama Landing, Point, and Shiloh. Encompassing an area of 905 square miles, the population of the parish was approximately 22,000 residents according the U. S. Census (2010).
As part of this project, the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana will serve as the fiscal agent and home for U-ACT and will assist in coordination of its activities, as well as with other local health agencies that focus on prevention among youth in our community.