Portage Community

1. Portage Community “Call to Action” Meeting 09.22.08

2. Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force The Task Force is a dedicated group of community members that develop strategies, programs, and practices to address alcohol and substance abuse issues in our community. This effort involves reducing access to substances, preventing high-risk behaviors, promoting community awareness, connecting community resources and providing education.

3. Why Are We Here? The goal of the “Call to Action” meeting is to alert and empower the community on youth alcohol and substance abuse issues. In order to fight back against substance abuse, the community needs to work together. Our Voice. Our Community. Our Opportunity.

4. Task Force History & Background The efforts of the Task Force are funded by a Strategic Prevention Framework/State Incentive Grant through the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy and Kalamazoo Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. The Task Force has been working for over 18 months gathering local data and assessing community needs.

5. What is the Identified Need? “At least 22% of Michigan students have smoked, drank alcohol, or tried marijuana by age ten.” – Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2005 “Children who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are 5 times more likely than those who start after age 21 to develop alcohol problems.” - National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report, 10.22.04 “43%of Michigan students said they had at least one drink of alcohol on one or more of the past 30 days.” – Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2007

6. West Michigan Regional Data • 13% of 12th graders reported having sold illegal drugs • 18% of 12th graders reported having been drunk or high at school • 1/3 of students said getting alcohol or marijuana was “very easy” Source: Michigan Substance Abuse Risk and Protective Factors 2000/2001 Student Survey: Western Region Results

7. Local Alcohol Statistics • 410 alcohol-involved traffic crashes occurred in Kalamazoo County in 2004. (Michigan Office of Highway Safety and Planning) • 25% of students have ridden in a vehicle one or more times in the past 30 days that was driven by someone who had been drinking alcohol. (Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2005) • Kalamazoo County’s rate of injuries from alcohol-involved traffic crashes is 85% higher than the state average. (17.8 per 10,000 in Kalamazoo vs. 9.6 per 10,000 statewide, Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning)

8. What puts youth most at risk and what is most likely to protect them? • Three greatest factors for youth high risk behaviors: • Perceived availability of drugs and handguns • Little commitment to school • Poor discipline (family) • Three factors most likely to protect youth from high risk behaviors: • Opportunities for positive involvement (school) • Attachment (family) • Opportunities for positive involvement (family) Source: Michigan Substance Abuse Risk and Protective Factors 2000/2001 Student Survey: Western Region Results

9. Who Should Be Involved? The Task Force is a collaboration of diverse community stakeholders including: • Parents/Youth • Medical Professionals • Law Enforcement • Teachers • School Administrators • Court Officials • Treatment & Prevention Specialists • Public Officials • Faith-based Organizations • Business Owners • Community-based Organizations • Concerned Citizens

10. Task Force Subcommittees Access to Alcohol and Other Drugs TASK FORCE Policy & Enforcement Youth & Family Services Social Marketing

11. Access to Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy & Enforcement Youth & Family Services Social Marketing Task Force Subcommittees • Align community services with identified needs • Develop a continuum of services ranging from primary prevention through treatment which includes strategies targeting peers/youth, family, schools, and the community • Expand and leverage resources to address unmet needs • Serve as community liaison in regard to substance abuse issues • Develop positive relationships with local retailers and bar owners • Vendor & retailer education • Address social norms regarding underage drinking and substance abuse • Guide the development and implementation of social marketing campaigns • Define appropriate marketing strategies for identified target audiences • Provide research and education regarding current policy and enforcement efforts and critical community needs • Compliance checks • Advocacy efforts TASK FORCE

12. Substance Abuse Community Forum July 28, 2008 • Help youth feel comfortable reporting drug use/sales • Increase enforcement in schools • Drug treatment programs vs. incarceration • More cooperation between law enforcement agencies • Increase options for youth under 17 • Use evidence-based programs • Early identification • More after school activities • Implement structured parenting programs • Develop a community plan • Use evidence-based programs • Early prevention from age 5 • School assemblies with guest speakers • Youth must be a part of the solution Treatment Prevention Enforcement

13. Portage Strategy Team Meeting When: Monday, October 6 Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm Where: Portage Fire Station #1 7830 Shaver Rd.

14. Margaret O’Brien – Portage Parent Dawn Wagner – Portage Central PTO

15. Indicators of Alcohol/Drug Abuse • Lack of motivation/concentration • Frequent irritability • “I don’t care” attitude • Unexplained mood swings • Eye drops • Mouthwash/Breath spray • Burning incense/room deodorizers • Red eyes/Dilated pupils • Changes in sleep/eating patterns • Increased need for money or unexplained expenditures • School attendance problems/Drop in grades • Quitting/Getting fired from a job • New friends with no last names • Lying/Secretive cell phone use • Spending more time in room/away from home • Tantrums over seemingly minor issues • Verbal/Physical abuse toward parents, siblings, property Adapted from No Alcohol No Drugs Task Force, Fort Wayne, IN

16. Five A’s for Parents Be AWARE of their attitudes. Be ALERT to their environments. Be AROUND their activities. Be ASSERTIVE in your parenting. Be AWAKE when they come home. Adapted from No Alcohol No Drugs Task Force, Fort Wayne, IN

17. What Parents Can Do • Love as a parent, not a friend. • Curfews work – enforce them. • Set rules – voice them, follow them. • Resist being swayed by what other parents may be doing. • Model responsible substance use in your home – our kids are watching us. • If you think your child might be drinking or using drugs, they probably are. Address it now • Understand that good kids sometimes make poor choices Adapted from: FACE, Truth and Clarity on Alcohol 2004

18. What Parents Can Do Now • Refuse to purchase alcohol or tobacco for young people who are underage. • Prohibit youth access to alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs in your home or on your property. • Give your child the reasons for not using alcohol or other drugs. Ex.: “I love you and I want to protect you.” “Using alcohol or other drugs is risky and will get in the way of achieving your goals.” “Your common sense will be diminished, putting you in danger of physical/sexual assault and traffic accidents.” • Support current efforts in your community in every way you can including donating your time, money, or expertise. GET INVOLVED! • Find out where treatment is offered in our community and how you can support other families who need help NOW. Adapted from FACE, Truth and Clarity on Alcohol 2004

19. Make “Family Day” Every Day! S T A R pend time with your kids by having dinner together alk to them about their friends, interests and the dangers of drugs and alcohol nswer their questions and really listen to what they say ecognize that you have the power to help keep your kids substance-free! www.CASAFamilyDay.org

20. Thank You For Your Support!