The Keene Family YMCA Community Coalition on Youth Substance use working to reduce Alcohol and Nicotine useby youth in the NH communities of Keene and Swanzey New Hampshire. - Project Abstract: Addressing Youth Substance Use in Keene and Swanzey The Keene Family YMCA Community Coalition on Youth Substance Use is dedicated to tackling underage alcohol and nicotine use among youth in Keene and Swanzey, New Hampshire. Our first five years of effort have seen a decrease in teen alcohol use by 7% and smoking by 4%.1 However, both communities have a continuing issue of substance use among adolescents with one in four drinking regularly and 32% regularly using electronic cigarettes. One of every 3 students say it is easy for them to get alcohol.2 These behaviors are fueled by various local factors including community norms, peer pressure, easy access to substances, rising rates of teen depression and stress, as well as misconceptions about the safety of substance use. Statistics reveal concerning rates of alcohol and nicotine use among middle and high school students. To address this issue, the coalition has devised a comprehensive 6th-year work plan, guided by evidence-based strategies and the mission of empowering youth to make healthy choices. To attain our planned outcomes of increasing protective factors related to substance use and reducing youth use of alcohol and nicotine products, we will increase collaboration with community partners and expand youth engagement. This will be done by strengthening coalition structure and capacity and use of best practices with youth. Strategies include increasing coalition member skills and increased partnerships among prevention partners. The coalition will increase awareness, support, and skills among youth, parents, schools, and the community at large through public awareness campaigns, alternative substance-free events, skill-building workshops, and positive youth development opportunities. The coalition will also modify physical environments, change consequences, and develop policies to discourage substance use, collaborating with local authorities and organizations to implement change. The project focuses on serving youth aged 12-18, with secondary efforts directed towards families, adults, and the wider community. Keene and Swanzey, are neighbors centered in the Monadnock Region and share rural characteristics and common socioeconomic challenges. They serve the majority of middle and high school students in the western half of the region, making collaborative action vital in combating substance use. The coalition's organizational capacity is robust, leveraging partnerships with a variety of sectors to maximize impact. The youth component of the coalition is active and a vital partner to our plans. Evaluation and performance measurement are integral components, ensuring accountability and guiding continuous improvement. By engaging stakeholders, implementing evidence-based strategies, and fostering a supportive community environment, the coalition strives to create lasting change and empower youth to lead healthy, substance-free lives. Through sustained efforts and ongoing collaboration, the coalition aims to build a nurturing community where youth thrive and substance use is minimized.
