Working toward a Drug-Free Alton
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Alton youth seem to be at 9% higher risk for lifetime alcohol and drug use than the national average, according to the Communities that Care Youth Survey. This is especially troubling in that the national average shows a great number of youth at high risk. According to this survey, in Alton the main reasons for these behaviors seem to be favorable attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana; community disorganization; and low neighborhood attachment. These factors create challenges for our children that hinder their success.
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The Alton Youth Development Strategy Partnership (AYDSP) is a community collaboration with Alton School District to save our youth from engaging in risky behaviors such as drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Additional members in this partnership are the Alton Weed and Seed Strategy, Chestnut Health Systems, the YWCA of Alton, and community leaders including members of law enforcement and representatives from the Alton area churches. This effort is supported by a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to raise awareness of the risks of substance use and to encourage broader use of the many resources that are available to youth, parents, schools and the community. We in the Alton area know that our people working together send a great message of hope to our youth. We hope you will join us in creating a brighter future for our community! |
