Welcome!

Our coalition represents agencies, schools, government, businesses, and concerned citizens in Tompkins County, all working to reduce substance abuse among middle and high school youth through the use of effective, evidence-based programs and practices.

Raising teenagers today is full of challenges and rewards. This website offers information about local resources, advice for families, information for teens, NY laws on underage drinking, excellent web links, and more. Take a look around and consider signing up to stay in touch at Contact Us.

Upcoming events:

In the News:

Teens Who Drink With Parents May Still Develop Alcohol Problems

Many parents take the approach of trying to teach responsible drinking by letting their teenagers have alcohol at home. However, a new study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, shows that this approach is ineffective.  Details.

Teen Drinking May Cause Irreversible Brain Damage

A recent study by neuroscientist Susan Tapert of the University of California, San Diego, detailing damage to nerve tissue in the brains of the teens who drank, was featured on NPR radio.  Details.

Adults Largely Responsible for Underage Drinking

According to a nationwide report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 40 percent of the nation’s estimated 10.8 million underage current drinkers (persons ages 12 to 20 who drank in the past 30 days) were provided free alcohol by adults 21 or older.  Details.

Leandra’s Law adopted in New York

Leandra's Law will set some of the toughest DWI penalties in the nation and will provide law enforcement officials with the tools they need to prosecute DWI offenders.  Details.

More People Killed by Drugs than by Car Accidents in New York

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concluded that in more than 16 states, including New York, more people were killed by drugs than by auto accidents. The study, which was reported by the Associated Press, found that the majority of drug-related deaths were caused by the abuse of painkillers.  Full report.

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Great new resource for parents  

The brand new Get Informed section of StraightDopeForParents.org has a wealth of user-friendly, research-based tools that complement Joseph A. Califano Jr.'s new book, How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents.  

In Get Informed, you'll find online tips on:

Parents will also find resources for advice and support -- including a new Facebook group -- plus links to some of the most helpful resources on the web from a variety of government, nonprofit and academic sources. 

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Area students participate in survey

In October, 2008 area students in grades 6-12 took part in the New York State Youth Development Survey.  The survey provides valuable information to schools, districts, the Community Coalition for Healthy Youth, Tompkins County Youth Services and other planning groups about youth behaviors and attitudes.  To see a Powerpoint presentation of the data, click here, for the Summary of Highlights, click here. For more information, contact Kris Bennett, 274-5310.

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Acting U.S. Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu's Call to Action on Underage Drinking

Free brochures and booklets:

Click here to send us an e-mail with your name and address and we can send you free materials.

What to do about an underage drinking party:

Do you know of a party where underage youth are drinking? Does this worry you?   You can call the NY State Police at 1-866-UNDER21 to make an anonymous report for any "field" party or "house" party or instance of someone purchasing alcohol for use by a minor. The NY State Police will contact local law enforcement to check it out.

For more information on what the laws are in New York, go to Know the Law.