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Making a Difference Through Underage Drinking Prevention

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Portsmouth Prevention Coalition
Portsmouth, Rhode Island

INTRODUCTION
Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is a beautiful town on the Atlantic coast, with roughly 18,000 residents and a jurisdiction in which the square footage of water exceeds that of land. Although small in size, Portsmouth still faces a big challenge in reducing underage drinking.

In May 2014, the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition published the report Youth Substance Abuse Needs Assessment 2013‒14. Based on responses from approximately 1,000 Portsmouth students in grades 7 to 12:

  • 41 percent had tried alcohol; and
  • Most students who used alcohol started between ages 14 and 15 years (the national average is 16.2 years old).

Of those who had used alcohol in the past 30 days:

  • 25 percent reportedly obtained alcohol from a friend;
  • 18 percent reported getting alcohol from a parent and with the parent’s knowledge.

The Coalition saw the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2014 underage drinking prevention Town Hall Meetings initiative as an ideal opportunity to make parents and community leaders aware of the extent of local underage drinking. An event also could be used to engage the community in a discussion about the easy access to alcohol that many youth reported and actions that could reduce alcohol availability.

Together we make a difference posterEVENT DESCRIPTION
The words “Underage Drinking, Portsmouth’s #1 Substance Abuse Issue” were included on the event flyer for the June 25 Town Hall Meeting, as well as the meeting’s theme, “Together We Can Make a Difference.” About 75 people took part in the Town Hall Meeting, including parents, teenagers, community leaders, school teachers and administrators, and staff from the Newport Naval Station.

Invited panelists included Portsmouth Police Chief Thomas Lee; Cort Chappell, the town’s Prosecuting Attorney; Juvenile Detective Michael Morris; Portsmouth High School Student Assistance Counselor Kelly O’Loughlin; and Gabrielle Abbate, Executive Director of Rhode Island Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The Coalition’s Coordinator, Ray Davis. Panelists presented key findings from the 2014 assessment report, reviewed evidence-based prevention strategies, and moderated audience discussion. For maximum community outreach, the Coalition arranged for the Town Hall Meeting to be videotaped, posted online, and shown on local cable television.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS
Following the meeting, EastBayRI.com carried an article about the Town Hall Meeting and included data from the needs assessment report. This article expanded the audience for Town Hall Meeting highlights and drew attention to the underage drinking efforts of the Coalition. The video of the event was posted online for several months and aired on local cable television channels a number of times, drawing positive feedback from several viewers.

The Town Hall Meeting initiated several positive outcomes, including:

  • Stepped-up party patrols, compliance checks, and “shoulder-tap” prevention by local police;
  • New Coalition members; and
  • Increased visibility and stature of the coalition within the community.

Says Ray Davis, “Our first SAMHSA-sponsored Town Hall Meeting was a big success for us; we gained considerable support and offers of collaboration from the town government and local schools.”

NEXT STEPS
In response to survey findings reported at the Town Hall Meeting, area schools committed to reviewing their policies regarding alcohol and other substance abuse. Portsmouth High School announced plans to fully implement the Life of an Athlete program to encourage students to avoid alcohol and other drugs.

In view of the community’s response to data released at the Town Hall Meeting, the Coalition is planning another, more comprehensive Youth Substance Abuse Needs Assessment. The Coalition also has begun planning its participation in SAMHSA’s 2016 Town Hall Meetings initiative.

CONTACT
Ray Davis
rdavisprevention@cox.net


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