Local coalition receives STOP Act grant federal funding
The Coalition For A Safe and Healthy Elgin has recently been awarded a $47,145 Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act) federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Through funding support, the coalition will continue to focus on opportunities throughout the community to reduce underage drinking through a variety of alcohol prevention education outreach activities.
Specifically, STOP Act grant funding will support the coalition's efforts to:
• Organize neighborhood education campaigns to increase awareness about where and how underage drinking occurs in Elgin;
• Collaborate with Neighborhood Housing Services of the Fox Valley, Elgin Police Department, and Boys & Girls' Club of Elgin to prevent underage drinking parties and enforce violations;
• Conduct presentations at key middle and high schools and encourage youth involvement;
• Coordinate a Town Hall Meeting;
• Engage community members to talk about underage drinking via social media.
"Our survey data indicates that Elgin youth who drink underage most often source their alcohol from friends and parties," reported Project Coordinator Katelyn Regan. "We know from SAMHSA that youth who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse in their lifetimes than those who delay first use until 21, so this project helps us reduce a significant contributing factor to our youth drinking underage."
The Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Elgin is comprised of local business and health care representatives throughout the community with an interest in a safe and healthy community free of violence and substance abuse through education, prevention, and action. Throughout the year, members of the coalition hosts various outreach activities at local middle and high schools, in addition to substance abuse prevention forums and assemblies. The coalition is funded in-part by SAMHSA's Drug-Free Communities grant. For more information on CSHE, contact Project Coordinator Katelyn Regan at (847) 742-3545.