PROGRAM
Drug Free Communities
Drug Free Communities (DFC) is a group of community members dedicated to reducing youth substance use.
Table of Contents
The Bulloch Alcohol & Drug Council’s Drug-Free Coalition is a united force in our community, collaborating with both community members and youth to prevent and reduce youth substance use. Our primary focus is on youth empowerment, mental health, and health equity. Over the past eight years, we’ve tackled issues such as underage drinking, marijuana use, prescription drug misuse, and vaping, while also engaging in advocacy efforts on the local and state level.
The coalition will continue to address these issues and work towards sustaining these efforts in our community. Notably, we’ve successfully influenced policies, preventing home delivery and extended Sunday alcohol sales hours. In addition, we’ve uniquely influenced proximity policies to manage liquor store density in the City of Statesboro. Our unique approach involves youth action teams in schools, using their voices to shape our initiatives based on local needs. By empowering young leaders, we’re creating a lasting impact and fostering a healthier future for our community.
About
The DFC Support Program
Bulloch Alcohol & Drug Council was originally awarded the Drug Free Communities grant in 2015. Upon completion of the first 5 year grant cycle, BADC applied for Year 6 and was awarded this grant in 2021. While currently in Year 9 the grant addresses alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine.
Our program consists of two goals to increase awareness:
Goal #1
Establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies; as well as federal, state, local, and tribal government to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth ages 18 years and under.
Goal #2
Reduce substance use among youth and, over time, reduce substance abuse among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk.
Bulloch DFC Addresses...
Alcohol
The DFC program aims to reduce underage drinking by reducing social access to alcohol. Youth report getting most of their alcohol from an older friend or relative, even a parent. The following are strategies implemented to help reduce social access to alcohol by minors:
Marijuana
Marijuana use can cause long-term, negative health effects. When used at a young age, it can impact brain development and cause permanent damage. Learn more about how Bulloch DFC is helping to raise awareness about the risks of marijuana use, and explore educational resources and tools for prevention.
Nicotine
Think e-cigarettes are safe? Think again! Juice from e-cigs has different amounts of the addictive stimulant nicotine, from 0 to about 72 milligrams per milliliter of liquid. A traditional cigarette has 10-15 mg.
Nicotine poses many health hazards, affects learning and memory, and is highly addictive – especially when use begins at a younger age.
Youth Coalition
Bulloch Game Changers
Bulloch Game Changers are Youth Action Teams designed to reach youth through peer educators. As peer educators, students promote awareness, provide educational outreach, and serve as accessible resources for fellow students.
Game Changers’ primary purpose is to minimize the misuse of alcohol and other drugs in an effort to promote a healthier environment at our school campus’ and community.
| Meeting Date | Location |
|---|---|
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Sept 12 |
BADC OFFICE |
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Sept 26 |
BADC OFFICE |
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Nov 14 |
Friendsgiving - BADC OFFICE |
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Dec 12 |
Christmas Meeting - BADC OFFICE |
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Jan 9 |
BADC OFFICE |
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Jan 23 |
BADC OFFICE |
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Feb 13 |
BADC OFFICE |
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Feb 27 |
BADC OFFICE |
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March 12 |
BADC OFFICE |
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March 26 |
BADC OFFICE |
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April 9 |
BADC OFFICE |
Community Coalition
Bulloch Prevention Partners
Bulloch Prevention Partners is the community coalition of parents, teachers and members of the community working together to prevent and reduce substance use among youth.
