MATForce – CADCA Got Outcomes! 2009 Milestones Award

MATForce (Methamphetamine Advisory Task Force), The Yavapai County Substance Abuse Coalition is the recipient of the 2009 Got Outcomes! Coalition of Excellence Award in the Milestones category, which recognizes newer coalitions that demonstrate progress toward meeting long-term outcomes as indicated by measurable, population-level changes in intermediate outcomes.

Formed in 2005, and based in Prescott Valley, Arizona, the coalition works to eliminate substance abuse and its effects in Yavapai County. In particular, the coalition implemented a variety of comprehensive and effective strategies to address the rising meth problem in their community. While still in the process of implementing their long-range plan, MATForce has made great strides, helping to bring about key policy changes and increasing community resources for treating meth addiction. For example, MATForce played a significant role in the passing of a 2006 pseudoephedrine control ordinance enacted in most cities within their county and successfully advocated to increase the countys mandatory prison penalty for selling methamphetamine to a minimum of 5 years to deter the behavior. Recent data revealed declining dangerous drug offenses of which an estimated 95% involve methamphetamine (705 between 2004 and 2005; 424 between 2008 and 2009), and a downward trend in youth methamphetamine use. MATForce is optimistic that their continued efforts will contribute to sustaining these downward trends in the coming years.