By Rosa Arvizu
The Communities for Positive Youth Development (CPYD) Coalition is currently using the Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) model, to reduce the alcohol use rate and contributing factors for 8th-12th graders in Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and Palatine. Awarded in 2014 and ending on June 30,2020, this grant is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
By implementing communication campaigns targeting parents and adults, supporting the enforcement of local Social Host Ordinances, advocating for school participation in the Illinois Youth Survey, among other efforts, the alcohol rates among youth have lowered over time.
In 2018, 14 out of 14 local middle and high schools participated in the Illinois Youth Survey resulting in 100% participation. The IYS is a self-report survey administered in school settings and is designed to gather information about a variety of health and social indicators including substance use patterns and attitudes of Illinois youth. Among other major accomplishments by the coalition’s work: In 2018, the 10th grade past 30-day alcohol use rate was 14% (compared to 16% in 2016) and 33% for 12th graders (compared to 37% in 2016).
Other accomplishments:
In 2018, 7% of 8th graders in Palatine CCSD15 and Schaumburg District 54 reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days; this is lower than the alcohol 30- day rate of 10% that was reported in 2016 for Schaumburg District 54 (Palatine CCSD15 did not participate in the 2016 IYS).
• In 2018, the 10th grade 30-day use rate was 14% (compared to 16% in 2016) and 33% for 12th graders (compared to 37% in 2016);
• CPYD Coalition meeting attendance has grown from an average of 18 in 2014 to 35 in March 2019 with 68 active members who attended at least 2 meetings in the past 6 months;
• The Youth Advisory Council has grown from 6 active teens in 2014 to 26 in 2019;
• All 12 sectors are represented in the coalition.
On March 19, 2020, KYC received federal funding for the Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act. Effective April 30, 2020 through April 29, 2024, this grant will allow the coalition to continue addressing underage drinking among youth and young adults (ages 12-20 years old) in Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, and a new additional target area: Elk Grove Village!
The coalition’s Data and Strategic Planning subcommittee will be reviewing local 2020 IYS data and planning for evidence-based strategy implementation this summer! We are confident that with your continued support and engagement, this project will be a success! If you have any questions or would like to be involved in any of our coalition efforts, please reach out to Rosa Arvizu at rosaa@kennethyoung.org.
Learn More about the Underage drinking Prevention Services at CPYD.
