Tuesday, May 7, 2024
5/7/2024
The Alden Substance Abuse Coalition was started in 2013 by a small group of people who were personally touched by the prescription drug epidemic. The Coalition has grown in membership and has engaged a variety of stakeholders, including some very influential members of the Alden community. Over the last six years, we have provided education, resources, support and guidance to our community all while providing fun, family activities to everyone. The founding members have made their mission clear… C.U.R.E. Communication, Understanding, Resources, & Education, for the purpose of youth substance use prevention”. The Alden Substance Abuse Coalition, as described above, makes clear that overwhelming anecdotal data has been integral to the motivation and direction of Coalition members. We worked with the Alden School District to administer the “Prevention Needs Assessment Survey” in April of 2014 and May of 2018. Two of the findings from that survey indicate that Alden exceeds the national average in both alcohol consumed (more than a few sips in the last 30 days) and significant increase in vaping, nicotine and e-cigarettes. The Alden Substance Abuse Coalition has been very active in the community working to implement the Strategic Prevention Framework, serving a community of almost 11K. We have hosted a variety of events and have the full support and engagement of our local leaders. Both the Mayor of the Village and the Town Supervisor are members of the Coalition. Coalition members have also been actively involved in attending training offered by the Western New York Prevention Resource Center (WNY PRC) on a variety of topics. Below is a list of the activities we have hosted. This year will mark our 6th annual National Night Out Celebration which brings our community leaders, law enforcement, first responders, businesses and families together for an evening of camaraderie. This event has grown in attendance each year. We host town hall educational meetings; presentations on the dangers of underage drinking, nicotine, vaping, marijuana and social norms with our schools, civic organizations and churches, as well as Narcan trainings and education within our community. Prom Promise; bi-annual community newsletters; Compliance Checks (piloted two) with the support of the WNY PRC, we provided breathalyzers to the Alden High School (funded through a grant); Active social media/facebook and web pages; Alden High School substance abuse focus groups; parent & student educational forums in our local high school, intermediate, and middle schools; therapy dog presentations in health classes, community surveys & student involvement events. This year will also mark our 6th annual Halloween Spooktacular. This community based event, draws hundreds of families which in turn, offers us an amazing opportunity for education intervention , especially for those who don’t normally attend our town hall meetings. Our membership continues to grow with our exposure in the community. Our long term goals are to decrease youth substance use with and overall goal of community change and perceptions regarding substance use and abuse at any age.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
