Alachua P.I.P.S.A.

PIPSA (Partners in Prevention of Substance Abuse) is a community organization comprised of a culturally diverse group of citizens (including parents, youth, teachers, community leaders, and professionals in varying fields) working together to create a safe environment in Alachua County free of the problems that spawn from drug use and abuse. PIPSA's Mission is to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among youth and adults living in Alachua County. Overall goals of the coalition are:
• To prevent and reduce problem behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse, and their associated consequences in Alachua County.
• To strengthen the Partners in Prevention of Substance Abuse Coalition and continue to develop a long-term anti-drug collaborative with citizen involvement. PIPSA has participated in the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant and is currently funded through Department of Children and Families to address substance abuse problems at the local level. Using the Public Health Model, PIPSA brings together the community to develop Comprehensive Community Plans to our local substance abuse problems. In 2009/2010 PIPSA members addressed alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes among 18 to 24 year olds in the Downtown and Midtown areas of Gainesville and received funds to implement evidence-based environmental strategies in these areas. Among the many strategies put in place to address our 18 to 24 year old population in Gainesville, PIPSA purchased a Mobile Safety Unit (MSU) which is used by law enforcement and coalition members as a point of contact to identify the alcohol blood content of people exiting bars and to provide safety and alternative transportation information for those who are in need of assistance in the Downtown and Midtown Hospitality areas. The coalition continuously monitors and evaluates the progress toward meeting the goals of the first Community Plan.