The coalition plans to address alcohol, prescription drugs/opioids, tobacco/vaping and marijuana over the next five years. Alcohol and prescription drugs and other opioids will be targeted comprehensively. Alcohol continues to be the #1 drug, and the DFCC plans to expand current strategies and add others to make their approach more comprehensive and the reach more extensive. Because prescription drug misuse and opioid use is escalating and is potentially addictive and lethal, current prevention strategies will be continued and expanded countywide. Planning steps will be taken regarding marijuana as its popularity and use by youth is growing and will soon be more available due to the legalization of medical marijuana and dispensaries. Strategies targeting tobacco/vaping are planned for subsequent years as the coalition grows and strengthens. Underage drinking strategies to be implemented in Millen and throughout Jenkins County include: continuing All Stars in 6th grade and expanding it to 7th and 9th grades over the next three years; reducing commercial availability through compliance checks, recognition for retailers in compliance and increasing penalties for underage sales; reducing social availability through positive social norms campaigns that dispel misperceptions about local alcohol use, advocating for county social host liability ordinance and enforcing the one in Millen, store signage about penalties for providing alcohol to minors and expanding the Safe Homes project. Strategies related to prescription drug misuse and opioids will include purchasing another drug drop box, promoting take-back days, prescriber training on opioid dosing guidelines, law enforcement training on the Georgia 911 Medical Amnesty Law and providing parents and youth training about potential dangers of prescription painkillers and pain management alternatives. The DFCC will also give healthcare providers information related to NAS for screening and prevention.
Work will be initiated to encourage the city and county governing bodies to adopt outlet density ordinances to limit the potential number of medical marijuana dispensaries located in Millen and Jenkins County. The Project Coordinator (PC) will participate in statewide prevention collaboratives focused on underage drinking, prescription drugs/opioids and marijuana to keep abreast of trends, evidence supported strategies and opportunities for advocacy.