Madison County Council on  Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc.
 
 

Community Education & Prevention Programs

      

The harmful use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is a social problem that is deeply rooted in our society. We live in communities, attend schools, and work in places where the affects of addiction present serious obstacles to the health and welfare of all.

The home, school, workplace and community organizations are contexts where targeted prevention education programs are most frequently implemented. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that a comprehensive community wide risk reduction and asset development approach to prevention works more effectively than any other strategy in changing norms and practices that reduce problems associated with the harmful use of substances. A comprehensive approach to prevention education that is integrated into the structure and function of community systems provides a foundation that can impact a variety of problems ranging from heart and lung disease to harmful drug use, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy and violence.

BRiDGES employs a general service delivery strategy that involves integrating all of our programs and services into the existing structure and services of the various communities within Madison County to the fullest extent possible. A key component of this strategy involves building effective coalitions between schools, community groups, government, human service and heath care providers, and businesses. Many of the programs and services we provide utilize coalitions of community based organizations through which we work to foster the integration of public health and education strategies for reducing the risk factors and enhancing the protective factors.

Within this general strategy the specific community education strategies we employ include:

  • Dissemination of accurate, current, credible, culturally and age-appropriate information throughout the community
  • Enhancement of social competencies, life skills, developmental assets and community assets
  • Education of those in positions of authority and leadership regarding their role and impact on individuals and community systems in the area of the harmful use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
  • Promotion of healthy lifestyles and alternatives to the use of alcohol and other drugs
  • Working to promote the development of social policies, public initiatives and norms regarding the processes of addiction and the harmful use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs

    For more information about the Community Education Initiatives of BRiDGES call (315) 697-3947.
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BRiDGES   •   3059 Seneca Turnpike, Suite E Canastota, NY 13032   •   (315) 697-3947
©2003 Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc.  All rights reserved.