|
Stemming from a DHH Louisiana Partnership for Success fund award, Northeast Delta HSA managed the formation of a collaborative coalition to address underage drinking and the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs in Union Parish. The U-ACT Coalition (Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation) works to reduce the incidence of underage drinking and other data-driven priorities in Union Parish. This not only targets substance abuse, but also aims to have an indirect positive impact on depression, suicide, teen pregnancy, school failure and violence.
Building upon the strong system of churches, community-based organizations and culturally-relevant local media to develop trust with parents and students, U-ACT is working to create a grass-roots movement that is both sustainable and measurable. Community leaders' willingness to partner and pool resources weaves all available human and financial resources together in the best interest of Union Parish citizens. An action plan has been developed to guide coalition efforts and raise awareness of its work, which includes participation in community events and working directly with Student Ambassadors. U-ACT members continue to offer their support and work with community partners toward the health and wellbeing of Union Parish. |
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
STUDENT AMBASSADORS
Derrick Drew U-ACT STUDENT AMBASSADOR |
Gaby Martinez U-act student ambassador |
Grace Mason U-ACT STUDENT AMBASSADOR |
|
Kalyn Ferguson u-act student ambassador |
Katlyn Haulcy u-act student ambassador |
Sarah Hamilton u-act student ambassador |
|
Sophia Alejo u-act student ambassador |
Tyquereis Wilson u-act student ambassador |
Fabiola Narvaez u-act student ambassador |
|
Keenaa Patrice u-act student ambassador |
Tiara Gray u-act student ambassador |
"U-ACT not only encourages our generation to make wise choices, but also develops leaders who will blossom to be a light in the midst of darkness and to go out and make choices to go out and make choices that will change the world.”
- RIKINZIE JOHNIKIN
FORMER U-ACT AMBASSADOR & STUDENT AT GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
DRUG FREE COMMUNITIES GRANT
The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana has received a Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grant totaling $625,000 to prevent youth substance use, including prescription drugs, marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol. The DFC program, created by the DFC Act of 1997 is the Nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use and is directed by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Grants are provided to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.
“Since our first grant awards were made in 1998, the DFC Program has continued to expand its reach in communities across the country. It is a testament to the great work DFC coalitions are doing, together with community partner that include parent groups, schools, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, businesses, and others to prevent drug use and improve the health of communities,” said ONDCP Deputy Director James W. Carroll. “Our local DFC coalitions are a key part of this effort because they are relentless in their work to prevent youth from initiating drug use and ultimately, saving more lives.”
Children’s Coalition Healthy Living Coordinator, Mary Barrios says, “We are so excited to be able to continue the work we are doing with youth in Union Parish. Our community partners and champions have been the key to providing opportunities for youth to make positive responsible choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Thank you to our U-ACT coalition members and student ambassadors for leading the charge and working with us to create a safer and healthier Union Parish.”
Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation (U-ACT), a program of the Children’s Coalition, aims to address underage drinking and prescription drug abuse in Union Parish. The Children’s Coalition is the only organization in Louisiana to receive a Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant during this round of funding. The DFC grant will enable the community-based U-ACT, formerly funded by Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, to continue its work in the community.
Prescription drug abuse prevention is one of the core measures of effectiveness for local DFC coalitions and coalitions nationwide have led innovative opioid prevention initiatives. DFC’s 2017 National Evaluation End-of-Year report found that at least 97% of middle school and 94% of high school report that they have not misused prescription drugs in the past 30-days in DFC communities.
“Since our first grant awards were made in 1998, the DFC Program has continued to expand its reach in communities across the country. It is a testament to the great work DFC coalitions are doing, together with community partner that include parent groups, schools, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, businesses, and others to prevent drug use and improve the health of communities,” said ONDCP Deputy Director James W. Carroll. “Our local DFC coalitions are a key part of this effort because they are relentless in their work to prevent youth from initiating drug use and ultimately, saving more lives.”
Children’s Coalition Healthy Living Coordinator, Mary Barrios says, “We are so excited to be able to continue the work we are doing with youth in Union Parish. Our community partners and champions have been the key to providing opportunities for youth to make positive responsible choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Thank you to our U-ACT coalition members and student ambassadors for leading the charge and working with us to create a safer and healthier Union Parish.”
Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation (U-ACT), a program of the Children’s Coalition, aims to address underage drinking and prescription drug abuse in Union Parish. The Children’s Coalition is the only organization in Louisiana to receive a Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant during this round of funding. The DFC grant will enable the community-based U-ACT, formerly funded by Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, to continue its work in the community.
Prescription drug abuse prevention is one of the core measures of effectiveness for local DFC coalitions and coalitions nationwide have led innovative opioid prevention initiatives. DFC’s 2017 National Evaluation End-of-Year report found that at least 97% of middle school and 94% of high school report that they have not misused prescription drugs in the past 30-days in DFC communities.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
PERMANENT PRESCRIPTION DROP BOXES IN NORTHEAST LOUISIANA
60-70% of teens say home medicine cabinets are their source of drugs.
Dispose of your unused and expired medication at a permanent drop box location.
Dispose of your unused and expired medication at a permanent drop box location.
|
|
NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION TAKE-BACK DAY 2020
STAFF
Ivonne Reyes
u-act OFFICE ASSISTANT
