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Columbiana County group seeks anti-alcohol recruits
LISBON
ADAPT is starting in Columbiana County.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team wants to change local attitudes and conditions that support illegal drug and alcohol use.
The project has been awarded a $92,371 grant from the federal Drug Free Communities Grant program for its first year, according to Kathie Chaffee, director of adult services for then Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board. The program began Oct. 1, and could receive funding for 10 years.
The local program is the result of a coalition in the county designed to combat growing chemical abuse.
A coalition coordinator, Brenda Bloor, reports to an 18-member advisory group that represents people from all fields.
According to Chaffee, the coalition will address the three major factors in underage drinking in the county: acceptance that underage drinking is inevitable, easy access to alcohol, and social, cultural and community activities for youths and families. To make the project work, ADAPT plans to recruit people interested in the problem.
According to ADAPT, research shows that the combination of educating about health risks in underage drinking, making it harder for youths to obtain alcohol, and having opportunities for families to spend their time in constructive activities will reduce underage drinking.
Teams also will generate a list of free and low-cost activities to do in their area and find ways to promote them.
The coalition also will support existing anti-tobacco and marijuana-prevention efforts for youths.
The coalition will have a training session for people interested in joining a community-leadership team.
Team members must be at least 14 years old and live or work in Columbiana County. The training will be at the Counseling Center in Lisbon, 40722 state Route 154, Tuesday. A morning session will be 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and an evening session will be 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. People must pre-register by calling 330- 424-0531 by 4 p.m. today.