Activities and Strategies

Community Forums

The coalition hosts neighborhood community forums across the city to provide education and fun for families. The forum consists of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug education for parents and alternative activities for youth. The forum concludes with free dinner for the entire family, and a facilitated “Dinner & Dialogue” session which stresses the importance of regular family dinners as a strategy to prevent substance use among youth.

Media Campaigns

The coalition conducts media campaigns seasonally.

• Previous campaigns have targeted prescription drug abuse and drugged driving. Photos of these media campaigns can be found on our Facebook page.
• Social norms: The coalition also works with schools to correct misconceptions about drug use. Namely, when it comes to drugs, not everyone is trying it! Contact us to find out more information on implementing a school-wide campaign at your campus.

Meetings with Stakeholders & Community Leaders

Coalition members and staff schedule regular meetings with key community stakeholders to educate them about substance use in our community and the efforts of the coalition.

Prescription Drug Take Back Initiatives

Over two-thirds of youth who abuse prescription drugs attain them from family and friends. Prompt and proper disposal of your unused and expired medication is important to keeping our community safe.

• The coalition partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement twice a year to host National Prescription Drug Take Back events throughout the city. Community members are encouraged to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication for free and with no questions asked at the collection sites. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is usually held once in October and once in April. CLICK HERE for additional information.
• The coalition works with police departments to install permanent drug collection boxes available for the public year round. To find a permanent medication disposal box near you, CLICK HERE.

Red Ribbon Week

The coalition partners with area schools, agencies and coalitions to educate students, teachers and the community on the harms, risks, and consequences associated with using and abusing alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Contact us to request a speaker.

Trainings and Conferences

The coalition offers various training opportunities, webinars, and conferences as needed to increase professional education and development.

• Ahead of the Curve Annual Conference: One day training in May for counselors and educators to keep abreast of drug trends and recent prevention and intervention research
• 411 on Drug and Gangs: This is a one day conference in September to “kick off” Red Ribbon season for school and youth professionals
• Need professional development for your staff or community? Contact us at 214-522-8600

BuzzFree PROMises Dress & Suit Giveaway

The BuzzFree mission is to encourage and reward healthy decisions made by high school students in our community. In collaboration with the Alliance on Underage Drinking, we seek to prevent and reduce underage drinking, driving under the influence, and the use of other drugs in our community. The BuzzFree PROMises Dress & Suit Giveaway helps local teens obtain attire for prom and includes educational components and a drug-free pledge. In exchange for their pledge, students participate in a variety of workshops and are rewarded with a prom gown, tux or suit. Students who participate in the program must be enrolled in 11th or 12th grade in a participating school district, hold an academic average of at least a “C,” and have good record of attendance and citizenship.