HISTORY:
Drug Free Communities Coalition (DFCC) formed in 2006 in Texarkana, AR. Many members were co-exsisting members of the communities previous Weed & Seed program. Upon inception, the coalition in it's efforts to maintain a Drug-Free Community applied for and received the Strategic Planning Framework State Incentive Grant from the Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services in 2007 to assist in their efforts of awareness, education, and prevention.
WHO WE ARE:
The Drug Free Communities Coalition is a unique blend of businesses, organizations, and agencies collaboratively working together to mobilize resources and provide and infrastructure to prevent and reduce the harms of underage drinking and other substance abuse among youth in Miller County, AR.
WHAT WE DO:
DFCC provides a number of environmental strategies to target underage drinking problems including, but not limited to:
Commnity Assessment and Surveys which consist of collecting local data to determine needs and problems which exist in our community
Program Planning and Implementation of evidence-based, researched and data proven- effective programs into Miller County school districts. Providing prevention education curriculum to youth concerning the risk and negative outcomes of alcohol and other substance abuse.
Positive Youth Activities are presented throughout the year engaging youth in leadership training, prevention education, positive life choice skills, media productions, community service, and peer to peer relationship development.
The Media Campaign is a tool utilized to bring awareness of the dangers and risk of undergage drinking to residents of Miller County through Radio, Television, BIllboards, and other Advertising outlets.
Community Based Strategies consist of community meetings geared toward specific groups such as Parents, Educators, Health Professionals, Law Enorcements, Youth, and forums for Youth, Judicial and Legislative Officials.
Policy Change to enforce liability of Social Hosting (Adults providing alcohol to minors) and Third Party Purchases (Adults purchasing alcohol for minors). Miller County does not have an ordinance for Social Hosting however, an adult providing to or purchasing alcohol for your youth without your knowledge is a crime.
Information & Material Dissemination of national, state, and local data concerning underage drinking trends and community risk factors. Health, legislative issues, and current updates regarding underage drinking.
Trainings for DFCC leadership and local coalition members are provided to continue strengthening our knowledge and resources in our field. Member and Partnerships of prominant agencies such as Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and Arkansas Department of Alcohol Prevention (ADAP) educate DFCC on Arkansas State Policies and best practices for national coaltions across the U.S.
