CHI - St. Joseph's Health - MN

Y outh alcohol use in Hubbard County is declining. Recent data indicates that more and more Park Rapids middle and high school students are choosing NOT to use alcohol. The recent downward trend of youth alcohol use in Hubbard County can be attributed, at least in part, to the efforts and strategies of the Hubbard in Prevention (HIP) Coalition. This is all good news, but there's still more work to do! The HIP Coalition started in 2011 through a five-year grant that CHI St. Joseph's Health was awarded from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. HIP is increasing the focus on prevention and changing the environment in which our students and families live. Their strategies include in-school curriculum, education for adults and parents, youth groups, community partnerships, strengthening policies, decreasing youth access to alcohol and correcting misperceptions about youth alcohol use. "We are moving the dot!" says Angela Graham, CHI St. Joseph's Health Grant Coordinator. "Our most recent 2015 data shows that 69 percent of Park Rapids 7th and 8th grade students choose NOT to use alcohol. In 2012, it was 60 percent. That's a 9 percent increase in students choosing NOT to use! " Graham also said the percentage of Park Rapids High School students who choose NOT to drink in a typical month has increased by 6 percent during the past four years. The Hubbard in Prevention Coalition hopes to continue its efforts. Unfortunately, the five-year grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services expires in June of 2016 and is non-renewable. HIP is looking into other grant opportunities and pursuing local funding. Underage alcohol and drug abuse prevention is important to the people of Hubbard County. Please consider supporting HIP through monetary or in-kind donations or support of specific prevention activities. If you are interested in getting involved with HIP, visit www.hubbardinprevention.org or call 218.255.3692. People who reported drinking alcohol at age 14 or younger were SEVEN TIMES MORE LIKELY to become dependent upon or abuse alcohol later in life.* Decreasing dependence can result in: Decreased spending on social services and healthcare. Increased productivity of workforce. Better community image. Lower crime rates. * Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Prevention Matters! ANGELA GRAHAM, CHI ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH GRANT COORDINATOR "Community businesses, volunteers, schools, and law enforcement have been very supportive of HIP's goal to help students make positive choices. We have great people sitting around the table because they know our kids are worth it!" HIP 'Moving the Dot' on Underage Drinking In Hubbard County, parents and community members alike are working together to promote an alcohol-free lifestyle for our youth. www.CHISJH.org | CHI St. Joseph's Health 9

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