Welcome!

Our coalition represents agencies, schools, government, businesses, and concerned citizens in Ithaca and Tompkins County, all working to reduce substance abuse and violence 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:

Community Coalition issues press release stressing the importance of keeping the minimum drinking age at 21

Click here for the release.

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Area students participate in survey

In October, students in grades 6-12 from Dryden, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, and Trumansburg districts as well as students attending TST BOCES Smith or Community School took part in the New York State Youth Development Survey.  The survey will provide valuable information to schools, districts, the Community Coalition for Healthy Youth, Tompkins County Youth Services and other planning groups about youth behaviors and attitudes.  Preliminary data are expected in late December.  For more information, contact Kris Bennett, 274-5310, or Amanda Verba, 257-1551.

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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.

Store and Bar Compliance Report:

Click here for recent reports from the NY State Police on stores and bars they’ve checked to see if they allowed minors to purchase alcohol.