The Santa Cruz County Drug-Free Community Coalition (SCCDFCC) is dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of underage drinking in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Recent incidents and concerning statistics highlight the urgency of implementing comprehensive strategies to prevent and reduce underage drinking and its associated risks.
Recent trends in age of server policies reflect a broader national landscape of legislative changes aimed at regulating alcohol sales. Notable adjustments have occurred in select states, including Arizona. However, incidents like the inadvertent sale of alcoholic beverages to a minor in Patagonia town underscore the need for increased education and awareness among servers and retailers.
The SCCDFCC, with over 30 coalition members representing various community sectors, has been actively involved in reducing underage drinking since 2013. The coalition has successfully implemented community-wide prevention events and initiatives targeting different aspects of the issue, such as providing information, community education, changing consequences/policies, and supporting existing youth-serving organizations.
The STOP project aims to enhance the coalition's efforts by focusing on several key areas. This includes adding monthly workshops on underage drinking and prevention for parents, educators, and youth, expanding alternative events to be monthly, bringing in more trainers for additional workshops and training, and implementing evidence-based drug education curriculums.
The proposed implementation approach involves enhancing intergovernmental cooperation, engaging community members from all sectors, and implementing evidence-based programs such as Too Good For Drugs and the "Talk. They Hear You." campaign. Additionally, the coalition will develop a 12-month Action Plan based on coalition and community input, host Town Hall meetings for community engagement, and leverage expertise and resources from regional partners.
By adopting a multifaceted approach that includes education, community engagement, policy advocacy, and evidence-based programs, the SCCDFCC aims to achieve its goals of reducing underage drinking, changing perceptions and behaviors, and safeguarding the health and safety of Santa Cruz County's youth.
