Prevention Coalition | Tri-County Community Partnership

Tri-County Prevention Coalition is primarily funded through the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program which was created in 1997 and is the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. Under the direction of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in partnership with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the DFC Program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. In 2019, TCPC was awarded a Drug-Free Community (DFC) Grant in the amount of $625,000

WHO WE ARE

The Prevention Coalition encompasses the Pine Bush Central School District and the area where Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties intersect, including the Towns of Crawford, Shawangunk, Wallkill, Mamakating, and Montgomery.

The Coalition is made up of individuals from all sectors of the community – youth, parents, businesses, media, schools, youth-serving organizations, law enforcement, civic and volunteer organizations, religious/fraternal organizations, healthcare professionals, state/local government, and substance abuse organizations. Representatives from all sectors work together to reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors through education, enforcement, and policy initiatives.

OUR MISSION

Tri-County Prevention Coalition (TCPC) is a community coalition whose mission is to create positive change in our communities by increasing awareness about the risks of alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drug use among youth.

The Prevention Coalition holds meetings on the 3rd Monday of every month at 6:30 pm / Hybrid (in-person & via Zoom)

In-person meetings are held at the Town of Crawford Town Hall.

All are welcome to attend!

Bring a friend!

OUR PROGRAMS

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually October 23-31 and is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. Kickoff for this event is at the Orange County Government Center, where sponsored red ribbons are placed on trees lining the walkways, symbolizing our commitment to youth substance use prevention. Tri-County Prevention Coalition works with Pine Bush Central School District and our prevention partners at ADAC to sponsor prevention activities in our schools! Each building in the district does a great job teaching kids the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle and one free from drugs.

Sticker Shock

Sticker Shock is a campaign to reduce underage drinking by limiting youth access to alcohol. The campaign is designed to discourage adults from buying alcohol for minors by educating them about the dangers and consequences of these actions. Volunteers, Coalition staff, and Youth Partnership members create stickers with local statistics and place them on multi-packs of alcohol sold at various retail outlets. We appreciate our retail partners who participate! It takes all of us to create and maintain a healthy community.

I PROMise

TCPC partners with Pine Bush Central School District every year to present the I PROMise campaign. The Pine Bush Junior class members sign a promise that promotes a safe and healthy life. During prom season, an assembly is typically held in the auditorium where members of the S.A.D.D. Club along with Tri-County Prevention Coalition and the Crawford Police Department speak about the dangers of drinking, drugs, driving under the influence and driving while distracted. Each class member signs their name on the I PROMise banner committing to a safe lifestyle. The banner is then hung at the prom banquet hall as a friendly reminder.

“I recognize there are consequences for every decision I make. I promise not to drink alcohol or use drugs. I promise to call my parent/guardian for a ride if I feel unsafe. I commit to living in a safe and healthy way. I promise to always wear a seatbelt, not text while driving, and to never ride with an impaired driver.”

SADD

Tri-County sponsored the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club at Pine Bush High School. Those students helped educate their peers about domestic violence and distracted driving, provided safe driving tips, hosted a Friendsgiving celebration for students in other clubs, and helped educate about diversity and inclusivity. They model the slogan “It Takes All of Us” and we are proud of their efforts!

TAKE DOWN TOBACCO

Take Down Tobacco is a national day of action that empowers people to stand up and speak out against the tobacco industry. We partner with POW’R Against Tobacco and the Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club to “chalk the walk” (and whiteboards because of bad weather!) with messages aimed to take tobacco down!

DRUG TAKEBACK DAY

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. The Prevention Coalition appreciates our partnership with local law enforcement agencies for this event! TimerCaps, Deterra pouches, and tips for safe storage and disposal of prescription medications are distributed.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

Super Bowl Weekend is synonymous with pizza and wings! For the past 5 years, the Prevention Coalition has created and delivered stickers to 13 local pizzerias and Buffalo Wild Wings for placement on pizza and wing to-go boxes and bags. These stickers have local statistics and messaging about mental health, alcohol, and marijuana use among our youth. They are intended to be CONVERSATION STARTERS for families and friends. Talk to your kids – they listen!!