CHI - St. Francis

Substance abuse is a growing concern around the country—particularly in the Upper Midwest states—and Richland and Wilkin Counties are no exception. The 2013 and 2016 Richland- Wilkin Community Health Needs Assessments revealed that substance abuse issues, including youth tobacco and alcohol use, rank among the top three health concerns facing residents of Breckenridge, Wahpeton, and the surrounding communities. It Takes a Village Reducing the number of teens and adults in our community who excessively drink, smoke, or use drugs takes a community commitment. The Substance Abuse Task Force represents our community's dedication to resolving this issue. Comprised of 14organizations, including CHI St. Francis Health, local law enforcement, public school systems, health departments, and the United Way of Richland-Wilkin Counties, the Substance Use/Abuse Task Force held its rst meeting in August 2015 and is in the process of evaluating areas of need. So far, the task force has identied four evolving priorities, including disposal of unused medications, provider coordination of pain medicine prescriptions, advocacy andeducation. Other community partners, including the Wilkin County Youth and Community Prevention Coalition (YCPC), are also working to further the cause. For example, the YCPC hosts a community-wide drug take-back program that allows community members to properly dispose of prescription and over-the-counter drugs by bringing them to the Richland County or Wilkin County Law Enforcement Centers. "Addressing substance abuse is a community eort," says Colette Barton, executive director of the United Way of Richland-Wilkin Counties and facilitator of the Substance Use/Abuse Task Force. "Our goal is to look at what resources we already have in our community, what gaps exist, and what we can do to address those gaps moving forward." For information about the chemical dependency programs at CHI St. Francis Health, visit www.sfcare.org/chemicaldependencymentalhealth or call 218-643-0499. Stand Against Substance Abuse Find out how community organizations are coming together to address the problem of substance abuse in our neighborhoods. A Snapshot of Alcohol and Tobacco Use in our Community Highlights from the Community Health Needs Assessment Report reveal that: � Approximately 40 percent of local high school students have used alcohol, and 40 to 50 percent of youth have ridden in a vehicle with a friend who was drinking. � Roughly a quarter of students—23 to 26 percent— have admitted to binge drinking. � Twenty-two percent of our adult neighbors have drinking habits that are classified as "excessive." � Twenty percent of adults currently smoke, and 27 percent of teens admit to having used tobacco. 7 www.sfcare.org

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