Drug Free Communities (DFC) Coalition - Genesee County - Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse – Genesee County, New York

We work with and foster collaboration among persona and organizations from almost all community sectors – including business, education, media, youth, parents and faith-based, encompassing all demographics and operating across the socio-economic spectrum – to address ATOD use - with particular attention to alcohol and tobacco – in Genesee County, especially among youth. Through regular meetings and ongoing communication, we organize campaigns, disseminate information, and coordinate events for families and people of all ages. Our project was constructed with short-term, intermediate and long-term goals under the umbrella of fostering community norms that discourage ATOD use, limiting ATOD availability, and developing legislation that reinforces desired norms. Our research has shown a correlation between our efforts and a significant decrease in ATOD use among youth, as well as an increase in the age of onset of ATOD use, the mitigation of risk factors, and an increase in protective factors.