Van Buren County SAFE Coalition - CADCA GOT OUTCOMES! Coalition of the Year Award

In 1997 the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition based in Keosauqua, Iowa engaged their local hospital, schools, health department and other key stakeholders to address youth alcohol, tobacco and other substance use in the county. In 1999 data revealed the need to focus more specifically on youth alcohol and tobacco use. The coalition expressed particular concern with reported past 30 day use of alcohol (51 percent) and tobacco (42 percent) among 11th graders. This group reported easy access to both substances and inconsistent messaging from the community regarding youth tobacco and alcohol use. Interviews and listening sessions with youth and community members identified how youth accessed alcohol and tobacco and guided the implementation of a data-driven, comprehensive plan for each substance. Community-level strategies included drafting and enhancing school and community policies, disseminating information, and increasing awareness of the problems. Youth contribute significantly to policy efforts such as the adoption of tobacco free baseball grounds and school districts and a state-level Smoke-Free Air Act. Other successes include developing and implementing monthly merchant alcohol training and instituting semi-annual alcohol and tobacco compliance checks. As a result of their efforts, the coalition successfully reduced access and acceptability contributing to reductions in past 30 day use of alcohol (51 percent in 1999; 34 percent in 2008) and tobacco (42 percent in 1999; 19 percent in 2008) among 11th graders.