Wood County Prevention Coalition |
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We are a coalition of compassionate community members working together to coordinate high quality programs for the prevention of youth substance abuse in Wood County. |
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Helping youth be drug-free, responsible, and productive citizens. |
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Mark your calendar for our next Wood County Prevention Coalition/Addiction Task Force meeting: Friday, September 20, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. This meeting will be held at the Wood County Educational Service Center, 1867 North Research Drive, Bowling Green, OH 43402.
Meeting notices will be sent out, but please invite others to attend as well. Those not on our email distribution list should contact Tina Bradley at tbradley@wcesc.org to be added. All are welcome!
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Click the image above for added information.
To sign-up your agency's decorated trunk or to donate supplies, click here.
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Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Grant Updates |
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Summer has landed in northwest Ohio! In this season of school breaks, vacations, backyard barbeques, lakeside bonfires, weekend daytrips, block parties and family reunions, the importance of youth substance use prevention becomes even more vital.
Below are a few of the many ways our Coalition worked collaboratively this past spring to prevent youth substance use...
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In preparation for the April 27 National Drug Take-Back Day, the Coalition worked with law enforcement agencies across Wood County to replenish their supply of Deterra. This includes the Perrysburg Township Police Department (featured above). A supply of Deterra is displayed next to their 24/7, 365-days-a-year prescription drug drop box. This makes it easy for citizens to pick-up a free supply at any time. Contact us for your free supply of this easy-to-use, safe mechanism for disposing of prescription drugs at home.
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In April, Director Kyle Clark and Coordinator Tina Bradley joined WBGU Radio Show Host and Coalition Media Sector Leader Clint Corpe as guests on The Morning Show radio program to discuss the risks youth marijuana use poses. Listen to that interview here. Bradley returned to the studio in May to continue this discussion.
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View the wonderful "Talk with Your Kids About Alcohol Use" video created by our creative Spring Semester intern from Bowling Green State University, Diaviana Gilliam, by clicking on the image below. |
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In May, we welcomed our talented Summer Semester intern from Bowling Green State University--Natasha Lewandowski. Some of her fabulous work is featured to the right. |
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This past spring, the Coalition was awarded a Community Integration of Problem Gambling Prevention grant ($10,000) made possible by support from Prevention Action Alliance and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Check out the video being televised (on the left) throughout Wood County as part of that grant.
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Please join us in thanking the volunteers (+ staff) from the Wood County Educational Service Center Living Classroom! This amazing group of youth has already provided our Coalition with volunteer service valued at nearly $700 in DFC Year 10. We are grateful for their contribution toward our required grant match and mission to someday realize a drug-free Wood County! |
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On June 7, our Coalition gathered for a productive quarterly meeting.
We had 44 folks in attendance!
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Why Prevention Education and Coalition Collaboratives Truly Make a Difference... |
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According to the Wood County ADAMHS Youth Survey 2024, the prevalence of alcohol use among Wood County adolescents has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. As an example, 30-day alcohol use among 12th graders decreased from 47% in 2004 to 15.7% in 2024. That is remarkable!
Another exemplification is found in cigarette use. In 2004, 27.2% of 12th graders cited 30-day prevalence rates for cigarette use. In 2024, that percentage share decreased to 1.6% for this same cohort (Wood County ADAMHS Youth Survey 2024).
Marijuana use also shows strong declines in the last 20 years. The latest Wood County ADAMHS Youth Survey indicates that annual prevalence rates for marijuana use declined among 12th graders. In 2004, 35.5% of 12th graders recorded annual use of marijuana, but that dropped to 14.8% in 2024.
The Survey additionally cites post pandemic decreases in substance use for all substances. It further notes, "Research has shown that delays in the onset of substance use among teens can lower trajectories of rates in the future." This research is promising, and the data seems to be supportive of the claim!
Preventionists, parents, volunteers, law enforcement agencies, school personnel, persons with expertise in substance abuse and so many countless others are all a part of the strides being made to realize Wood County's goal to some day become drug free. Be proud of Wood County's efforts to prevent youth substance use. Likewise, as a member of the Wood County Prevention Coalition, thank you for your ongoing role in this important endeavor!
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Below are links to a few resources of potential interest:
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Request your FREE supply of this children's activity book! |
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To contact Tina Bradley, M.P.A., O.C.P.S.A.
Wood County Prevention Coalition Coordinator:
(419) 354-9010 Extension 174
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Wood County Prevention Coalition | Website
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