ENVIRONMENTAL PREVENTION APPROACH
Environmental prevention involves a coordinated set of programs and activities designed to alter the factors in the environment and community that contribute to the problem of underage drinking and the many related risk factors.ENVIRONMENTAL PREVENTION INVOLVES:
- Fostering the development of community coalitions with broad and diverse representation.
- Engaging youth as leaders in the planning and implementation of prevention activities.
- Creating and strengthening institutional, local and state policies that impact underage drinking and related high risk behaviors.
- Increasing enforcement of policies and laws related to alcohol and other substance use.
- Reducing youth access and exposure to alcohol in commercial and social settings as well as the alcohol industry's media promotions, and "predatory marketing practices" by local bars and package stores.
- Raising public awareness concern about the harmful effects of underage drinking on adolescents, families, and communities across Connecticut.
THE GOVERNOR'S PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP'S MAJOR ACTIVITIES:
- Provide individualized support and technical assistance to coalitions.
- Organizing and conducting compliance check operations and other enforcement activities in collaboration with the Department of Liquor Control and local police departments.
- Recruiting and training of minors for compliance checks.
- Serving as a catalyst for policy initiatives related to alcohol and underage drinking and other related issues at the municipal and state level, such as local social host ordinances.
- Promoting youth leadership opportunities.
- Workshops, training and events for community leaders, law enforcement officers, campus security, students, educators, community and campus coalitions on such topics as: current issues and trends, effective prevention strategies, needs assessment and program planning, grant writing and evaluation, media advocacy, etc.
- Media promotion and outreach to raise awareness about problems associated with underage drinking and highlighting opportunities to showcase prevention efforts and related activities.