Drug Free Communities Grant - Abstract: The Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth (MACY) serves as our overarching organization, recently transitioning into a non-profit entity and assuming the role of fiscal agent for the Marshfield Drug Task Force (MDTF) coalition. The MDTF coalition proposed geographic area for the Drug Free Communities grant within targeted zip codes of North Wood County region of central Wisconsin, consisting of four towns: Hewitt, Auburndale, South Division of Marshfield, and Arpin. North Wood County Milwaukee and Minneapolis within a 3 hour drive to the east and west respectively, Marshfield is located in the geographical center of Wisconsin and positioned at the convergence of the U.S. Highway 10, Highway 13, and Highway 97. The population focuses on the residents of North Wood County impacting 31,600 residents based on the high percentage of those living in poverty (socioeconomic status), health disparities, geography, and limited access to healthcare. We will prioritize the populations of those living below poverty level, LGBTQ+ individuals and individuals in rural pockets. The mission of MDTF is to unite and educate our community in order to reduce and prevent youth substance use while promoting healthy, resilient youth and families. The MDTF aims to strengthen protective factors and diminish risk factors, such as accessibility and low perception of harm, to mitigate substance misuse among youth. Aligning to our logic model, The MDTF will reduce youth (ages 12-18) use of nicotine and underage drinking of alcohol by addressing root causes and local conditions. Our strategy for the upcoming five years focuses on leveraging our ability to foster relationships, broaden coalition capabilities, and introduce innovative educational and community level change approaches regarding the dangers associated with nicotine and underage drinking. Central to this approach is the emphasis on bolstering coping mechanisms and other protective factors, modifying policies, while also providing connections to resources. In addition, we are committed to promoting inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and the use of destigmatizing language to effectively engage with and support the LGBTQ+ community through our prevention and outreach initiatives. The MDTF will engage within the lower socio-economic demographic in the county,to concentrate on promoting protective factors. We aim to offer evidence-based positive coping strategies within safe and culturally relevant environments for youth. This approach also addresses the cultural norms prevalent within this population. Our coalition is committed to collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from multiple sectors, as well as youth and parents, to provide input, and actively engage to own and guide the process. The coalition employs evidence-based strategies, utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework, the Seven Strategies for Community Change, and other promising approaches as we work in the community.
