The Steering Committee for the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition
The Columbiana County Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coaltion began with an informational meeting held at the Dutch Haus Restaurant in April 2008. Community leaders were invited and provided with information on the problems which exist in Columbiana County and how coalitions promote solutions.
The first organizational meeting was held in July 2008. A Steering Committee was formed and a decision to form a Comprehensive Community Coalition was made.
A Comprehensive Community Coalition strives to understand the conditions in the community which lead to drug or alcohol abuse and to develop comprehensive plans to address the "root causes."
Guidance and training for forming a coalition were provided by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). CADCA is a non-profit organization that works to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions in their effort to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities. CADCA supports its members with training and technical assistance, public policy advocacy, media strategies and marketing programs, conferences and special events.
Two members of the Steering Committee attended a National Coalition Academy which teaches coalition leaders about the stages of Assessment, Capacity, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Sustaining the Work.
Mission Statement: The Columbiana County Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition will communicate and collaborate to create an environment that is healthy and free of harmful substance use and abuse. The Coalition's goal is to eliminate underage use and illegal use of drugs and alcohol. Intervention and treatment for drug and alcohol problems will be available to all persons who need these services.
