CADCA

While high school proms and graduations can be landmark moments in youth’s lives, for some, they can also become prime opportunities for underage alcohol consumption. One community – Wood County Prevention Coalition (WCPC) – set out to ensure that these special events are safely celebrated, substance-free, through a multi-faceted media campaign.

“Since 2007, we have been advocating for our county parks – which covers roughly 10,000 acres of land – to go smoke and vape-free,” explained Howard Podgurski, Neshaminy Coalition for Youth (NC4Youth) co-chairman. This year, NC4Youth was ultimately able to make their longstanding goal a reality, which Howard accredited to sector collaboration, the power of data and mindful message framing.

East Bay Regional Coalition (EBRC), based in eastern Rhode Island, recently partnered with the law enforcement sector to establish an anonymous text-a-tip line in three communities they serve. This collaboration has not only led to a strengthened relationship between law enforcement and community members but has additionally led to key discoveries and more opportunities for cross-sector partnerships.