Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM Holiday 2017 Final | Page 41

By: Amanda McLauchlin
Coalition Manager
Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families
Clear Creek ISD
The Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families is a
community coalition that has been dedicated
to reducing the incidence of substance abuse
among young people since 2003. The
Alliance consists of members from over 12
community sectors including law enforcement
agencies, schools, faith based organizations,
parents, students, businesses, and healthcare.
Together, we work to reduce underage
drinking and prescription drug abuse.
Our “Be the Reason” Campaign was started to support the statistic, “83% of youth report that their parents are the
leading influence in their decision not to drink alcohol.” The campaign is published monthly in many local publications
highlighting local businesses and organizations who are committed to this important initiative to reduce underage
drinking.
Project RX is a comprehensive campaign to address prescription drug abuse in the community. Since September of
2010, the Alliance has coordinated 15 local Medication Take Back events in partnership with the Drug Enforcement
Administration and local law enforcement. Through these events, we’ve seen more than 14,000 pounds of medications
returned for proper disposal through incineration. The Alliance also recently launched a new mode of disposal through
the Medication Disposal Pouches. These environmentally friendly bags hold a patent-pending process that deactivates
drugs effectively, safely, and quickly! It’s just another way we can empower our citizens to clean out their medicine
cabinets and properly dispose of potentially dangerous medications.
In 2014, the Alliance became one of 9 pilot projects throughout the State of Texas called the Texas Healthy Adolescent
Initiative to create a Youth Adult Council (YAC). The Alliance partnered with Clear View HS and created a YAC which has
been named Student Adult Leadership Service Alliance or SALSA. Through this program, students and community
adults are given equal voice as they work together to impact their community in regard to 3 primary risk factors –
substance abuse, mental health, and transition to adulthood. This project has seen 82 youth and 26 adults make great
strides in these risk factors and learn a ton about how to interact with each other on the same level. Students have
gained great courage to speak up and the understanding that their voice matters. Adults have been reminded that in
order to reach the next generation, we must adapt and utilize youth in
that process.
As part of this grant, the Alliance also recently started a project called
Circle of Care. Through Circle of Care, community adults help to
create a “circle” around graduating seniors as they map out their path
for the future. Each graduating senior at Clear View HS will go through
this process and will have assistance navigating important issues like
education, transportation, housing, budgeting, healthcare, and so
much more. It’s an opportunity to show them that there are adults in
their corner who are willing to share their wisdom and lend an ear.
If you’d like to find out more about the Alliance or how to be involved
in SALSA/Circle of Care, you can call the Alliance at 281-284-0370 or
go to www.ccisd.net/alliance.
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