Local Organizations Team Up to Fight Underage Drinking in Springfield
April 12, 2013
The Stop Access Springfield Coalition, a prevention program of the Gandara Center, is teaming up with Future Health, both of Springfield, to help prevent alcohol abuse in underage youths.
February 11th, 2013 - Future Health produces and distributes educational videos to raise awareness on addiction, mental illness, and lifestyle choices. Their Understanding Alcohol Addiction video and online training program includes imperative information from healthcare facilities and professionals on the dangers of alcohol abuse.
The Gandara Center is a minority organization, providing residential, mental health, substance abuse and preventive services to individuals in Springfield and the Pioneer Valley. They value cultural diversity and strive to provide culturally competent, innovative services to our community. Stop Access goes further to use policy interventions to create an alcohol free environment that supports healthy, safe behavior. Prevention efforts aimed at changing or influencing personal, social and environmental factors that contribute to the initiation and escalation of drinking are essential.
The mission of the partnership is to create a bigger stance against underage drinking in Springfield. The average Springfield child has their first drink by 10.7 years old according to the Coalition's recent Prevention Needs Assessment Survey. That same research also showed that nearly half of Springfield's students are drinking by the age of 14. Stop Access and Future Health believe that the key to changing these statistics is by creating awareness in the community and educating parents to the dangers of teen drinking. The first step in the process will be reaching out to Springfield area schools and parents to offer round-table discussions.
Stop Access Springfield Coalition
130 Maple Street Suite 300 Springfield, MA 01104
http://gandaracenter.org
http://gandaracenter.org
Phone: 413-736-8329
Fax: 413-746 4270
Contact: Anna Cruz