The ERASE coalition is working to establish an environment that shifts away from the community tolerance of underage substance use and adult substance abuse as acceptable behaviors. A prevention system consists of the prevention agency, public health, law enforcement, school districts, behavioral health, treatment, faith organizations, juvenile court services, and social services agencies all working together. They provide families and individuals the resources and education they need to start making lifestyle changes involving the tolerance of and the use/abuse of alcohol, tobacco, prescription, over-the-counter and illicit drugs.
Consequences of underage substance use and adult substance abuse may consist of law violations, risk of dependency, a decline in academic and sports performance, and a decline in family dynamics. By bringing the knowledge, experiences, and expertise of ERASE members and other prevention system partners, we can begin to create positive change. By assessing the needs in the county, building capacity and resources, creating a plan to make changes, implementing the necessary strategies, and evaluating how prevention efforts are working, the desired outcomes can be reached.
The ERASE coalition is working to establish an environment that shifts away from the community tolerance of underage substance use and adult substance abuse as acceptable behaviors. A prevention system consists of the prevention agency, public health, law enforcement, school districts, behavioral health, treatment, faith organizations, juvenile court services, and social services agencies all working together. They provide families and individuals the resources and education they need to start making lifestyle changes involving the tolerance of and the use/abuse of alcohol, tobacco, prescription, over-the-counter and illicit drugs.
Consequences of underage substance use and adult substance abuse may consist of law violations, risk of dependency, a decline in academic and sports performance, and a decline in family dynamics. By bringing the knowledge, experiences, and expertise of ERASE members and other prevention system partners, we can begin to create positive change. By assessing the needs in the county, building capacity and resources, creating a plan to make changes, implementing the necessary strategies, and evaluating how prevention efforts are working, the desired outcomes can be reached.
Partnered with local colleges, businesses, and experts to host wellness-promoting events for students and families
Created educational bookmarks to decrease community exposure to secondhand smoke
Hosted town hall meetings to educate the public on the realities of underage drinking and binge drinking
Implemented a year-long "Winneshiek- Are You Well?" campaign focused on collaborating with area partners to create a safe and healthy Winneshiek County.
Formed partnerships with the area high schools and substance-free youth groups in the county
Educate community members on the dangers and ramifications of ATOD use
Raise awareness on the linkage between mental health and substance use
Access local data and trends to plan and implement effective evidence-based strategies
Support policies and practices that promote a culture of healthy decision making
Encourage early intervention and promote local treatment resources
A coalition is a voluntary, formal agreement and collaboration between groups or sectors of a community in which each group retains its identity but all agree to work together toward building a safe, healthy, and drug-free community. Coalition members utilize their deep connections to the community to act as catalysts for reducing local substance use rates. Community coalitions are not prevention programs or traditional human service organizations, rather they are residents and sector representatives genuinely interested in determining the best strategies to address local problems. Join us and use your voice to make a difference in Winneshiek County.