Bitterroot Cares Prevention Coalition: Drug Free Communities Support Program (Year 1) - Project Name: Bitterroot Cares Prevention Coalition (Bitterroot Cares) Drug Free Communities Program Population to be Served: Youth in Ravalli County. Ravalli is a rural community located in Western Montana. The seven school districts within Ravalli County enroll approximately 5,100 students in grades Pre-K through 12. Project Goals and Measurable Objectives: DFC Goal One: Increase community collaboration. Objective 1: By October 30, 2025, Bitterroot Cares will strengthen Ravalli community collaboration capacity related to preventing and reducing substance abuse among youth by increasing the number of collaborative Coalition members from 12 to 16 as measured by signed Coalition Involvement Agreements and meeting sign-in sheets. DFC Goal Two: Reduce youth substance abuse. Objective 1.1: By October 30, 2025, the number of Ravalli 12th grade students reporting use of alcohol in the past 30 days will be reduced by 10% as measured by comparison of the 2020 and 2024 Montana Prevention Needs Assessment data. Objective 1.2: By October 30, 2025, the number of Ravalli youth in grades 8-12 (combined) who report their parents think drinking alcohol is wrong or very wrong will be increased by 15% as measured by comparison of the 2020 and 2024 Montana Prevention Needs Assessment data. Objective 2.1: By October 30, 2025, the lifetime use (1 or more occasions) of marijuana among Ravalli youth in 12th grade will be reduced by 15% as measured by comparison of the 2020 and 2024 Montana Prevention Needs assessment data. Objective 2.2: By October 30, 2025, the number of Ravalli youth in grades 8-12 (combined) who report a perception of risk (great-moderate) associated with initiating use of marijuana will be increased by 15% as measured by comparison of the 2020 and 2024 Montana Prevention Needs assessment data. The Bitterroot Cares Prevention Coalition will continue to increase community collaboration and reduce underage consumption of alcohol and marijuana. Using assessment, strategic planning, evaluation, and evidence-based strategies, the project will work to reduce youth use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. Through extensive youth engagement and collaboration between community sectors, we will reduce risk factors and promote protective factors for the youth of Ravalli County. Estimated number of people to be served annually: 47,738
