We are committed to finding ways to reduce substance abuse among youth and using prevention to educate the community. Rural Taylor County, composed of largely farm- land and the Chequamegon National Forest, has a population of approximately 20,000. The coalition’s focus, youth ages 10 - 18 attend one of three Taylor County School Districts. TCDOP works to build relationships within our community that will create and support a healthy environment for our youth through interventions that delay onset and reduce youth alcohol and prescription drug use. The coalition’s strength and success is a result of the strong relationships with law enforcement, health care and the three school districts. The newly created youth coalition, Taylor County Pure Performance, is composed of students from the three school districts and has been successful in implementing school-specific programs committed to academics, sleep, nutrition, involvement in activities and avoidance of alcohol and drugs. This group is unique in that it is the first time the three Taylor County School Districts have collaborated to implement a youth-led, adult guided group committed to enhancing a healthy environment for Taylor County youth and supporting shared implementation strategies. TCDOP and Pure Performance are turning things upside down; challenging the culture of acceptance of alcohol in Taylor County by engaging youth to lead the change. The two coalitions have launched campaigns focusing on the consequences of alcohol and drugs and promoting “Anyone can start the talk” to encourage parents and youth to engage in conversations about alcohol and drugs. The coalitions are working to decrease current use of alcohol and prescription drug use and increase student and parent’s perception of harm.
