Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention

 

Drug Free Communities

Drug Free Communities (DFC) is a Federal grant program that provides funding to community-based coalitions that work to prevent and reduce substance use among youth. The philosophy behind the DFC grant program is that local drug/alcohol problems require local solutions.

Built on the community shared value of health and safety of our youth, the Healthy Voices Healthy Choices Coalition is focused on helping youth reach their full potential by reducing underage alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use.  The Coalition focuses on strategies to create a safer environment for youth and to educate the community on the risks of youth alcohol and tobacco use, using a Positive Community Norms Campaign.

 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Involvement from all sectors of the community is important to the success of this project.  We invite all community members to join the Coalition and help identify solutions to reduce underage alcohol, tobacco and substance misuse. Representation from the following individuals or groups would be most welcome: parents, grandparents, law enforcement, schools, business, media, law enforcement, government officials, healthcare professionals, faith based organizations, and youth-serving organizations.  If you are interested in becoming involved with the Healthy Voices Healthy Choices Coalition, please contact Crystal Hoepner at 320.762.3054 or crystalh@horizonph.org.

 

Tobacco Prevention

Tobacco use in Minnesota is a big problem. Currently 16% of the state’s population (625,000) still smoke, and this year 77,000 kids will use tobacco. Smoking costs Minnesota $3 billion in excess health care costs annually.

Horizon Public Health’s 4 priority issues are:

  • Educate the community about the health effects of smoking, secondhand smoke, smokeless tobacco and electronic delivery devices.
  • Prevent the sale of all tobacco products to youth.
  • Increase the number of smoke-free public places, worksites, schools and multi-unit housing.
  • Provide linkage to cessation resources.

Starting July 1, 2017 Horizon Public Health received a grant from Clearway Minnesota to work to reduce the sale to youth and increase the tobacco purchase age to be 21. If you would like to learn more and get involved, please contact Jessica at 320.762.2926, jessicap@horizonph.org.