Addressing Youth Substance Use in Franklin County, Maine - The Greater Franklin Prevention Alliance, a collaborative effort between the Healthy Community Coalition and various community stakeholders, aims to prevent and reduce youth substance use in Franklin County, Maine. Situated in a rural and economically disadvantaged region, the county faces challenges such as high rates of substance abuse, limited access to services, and pervasive poverty. Through evidence-based prevention strategies, the consortium seeks to address priority risk factors and foster community mobilization. Key initiatives include enhancing youth engagement, reforming substance use policies in schools, providing training and support to local organizations, and disseminating prevention information to parents and adults. Over a five-year period, the consortium aims to achieve short-term outcomes such as increased capacity in addressing youth substance use and improved parent knowledge. Intermediate outcomes include improved school climate and decreased youth access to substances. Long-term goals involve reducing rates of binge drinking, cannabis use, and vaping among youth, as well as decreasing substance use among adults. Evaluation efforts will utilize local data sources such as the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey and school climate surveys to assess the effectiveness of strategies and inform future action plans. The consortium will also engage in continuous quality improvement through process data collection and Ripple u Effects Mapping. Through collaboration with community partners and targeted outreach efforts, the Franklin Wellness Alliance strives to create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for young people in Franklin County, ultimately reducing the prevalence of substance use among youth and improving overall community well-being.
