Creating a community-wide effort that includes representation for diverse sectors of our county
Mission
To build thriving Buncombe communities that encourage the reduction of substance use with a focus on reducing youth substance use within Buncombe County.
WHO WE ARE
The Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County is a group of individuals from our community who are passionate about collaborating with youth and adults to create a healthier Buncombe County.
Our initiatives are possible through local and grant funding from Buncombe County Government, the North Carolina Preventing Underage Drinking Initiative, Buncombe Health & Human Services, and a Drug Free Communities (DFC) federal grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County is a coalition representing Buncombe County and the greater Asheville area committed to keeping children away from alcohol and other drugs. As a Drug Free Communities coalition, we represent 12 sectors to better understand local problems and create local solutions.
The Partnership is an active member of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and graduated from the National Coalition Institute in 2012 and 2016. Recently our coalition was chosen by DFC evaluators from over 600 coalitions to be highlighted by the Office of National Drug Control Policy for our collaborative efforts with local and state Law Enforcement.
In addition, along with Buncombe County Government and Health and Human Services, we received first place awards in Community Visioning and Citizen Participation for our 2018 Student Summit from NC3C – North Carolina City & County Communicators.
We are dedicated to empowering our community with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse. Together we can build a healthier future for our children!
WHAT WE DO
The Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County seeks to engage and collaborate with partners to build capacity in our community to promote healthy, safe, and drug-free lifestyles among youth and families in Buncombe County.
In order to create lasting change among youth and adults, we understand that no one person, strategy, or program can impact substance use. Instead, prevention efforts must be tailored to our unique community and address root causes and local conditions that impact substance use over time.
Based on this information, the coalition currently addresses underage drinking and teen prescription drug misuse and is a resource for current youth drug trends in our community.
We endeavor to accomplish this by:
Engaging in strategic planning to ensure that efforts are data driven
Coordinating and planning environmental strategies that impact change at the individual and community level
Our evidence based prevention efforts include:
Tools & Tips
…for talking to youth about substance use and how to stay drug-free!
Youth Engagement
…opportunities that empower teens to promote healthy drug-free lifestyles and connect with community leaders!
Presentations & Trainings
…to increase the capacity of our community to build healthy futures!
Community Wide Surveys
…of alcohol outlets to ensure merchants are checking IDs!
Medication Lock Boxes
…for families to ensure medications are locked up, secure, and out of reach!
Drug Take Back days
…and permanent medicine drop off locations in partnership with law enforcement agencies!
Join us in helping our community be a safe place for our children and families. Ask us how you can get involved and make a difference. If you would like to be involved with The Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County