March 19, 1999
Recognizing the war against alcohol and drugs is far from over, Californians have identified new solutions that deviate from the course set by many policymakers, elected officials and other experts, according to a new report released by the California Center of Health Improvement (CCHI), a prevention-focused health policy center.
"Californians recognize the need for non-traditional strategies to supplement existing efforts to curb alcohol and other drug problems in their communities," said Karen Bodenhorn, President and CEO of the California Center for Health Improvement "The Traditional prevention focus on law enforcement and categorical programs working independently from each other, have not worked as well as experts had hoped."
Based on a statewide survey conducted for CCHI by the Field Institute, the report finds the majority of Californians believe communities must take new steps to prevent alcohol and drug problems-moving beyond the fragmented approach of many existing policies and programs.
In San Diego County, more than 6 in 10 respondents believe started educational and community-based approaches are very effective in reducing alcohol and other drug use among adolescents and teens, particularly after-school programs (64%) and job training/work experience programs (62%). Further almost two-thirds of those surveyed would support shifting some funds from arresting and punishing drug dealers and user to expanding the role of community policing (67%) and increasing education and job training opportunities (65%).
An example of a successful, integrated program in San Diego County is Partners for Healthy Neighborhoods in Oceanside. In an effort to reduce drug and gang-related violence within the community, local law enforcement and community residents implemented Neighborhood Enhancement Team Work (NETWork), which is a key member of Partners for Healthy Neighborhoods. NETWork focuses on crime reduction in Easeside, Crown Heights and Mesa Margarita neighborhoods by integrating efforts with the city planning and building departments with residents and local police officers. To Profiles Partners for Healthy Neighborhoods and the CCHI survey results call Project Coordinator Connie Johnson at (760) 757-9911.
by The Field Institute
Compared to other ethnic populations, Latino respondents disproportionately reported having felt that alcohol drinking (theirs or a family member's) has had a harmful effect on their life in the past 2 years (300% vs white: 26%, black: 28% or asian: 22%).
Education
Of Latino respondents, 6 in 10, believe educational and community-based strategies are very effective in reducing adolescent alcohol and drug use.
Nearly 7 in 10 believe to be very effective programs that provide more job training and work experience programs for young people (69%) and more after-school programs offering students adult guidance, tutoring or opportunities for community service (67%).
Nearly 9 in 10 (87%) believe that a student who is suspended or expelled from school for alcohol and other drug use on a high school campus be required to successfully complete an alcohol/drug education or treatment program.
Environment
Latino respondents show strong support for environmental strategies to reduce alcohol-related problems among young people and adults.
Over 8 in 10 favor: increasing community authority to close alcohol outlets that violate alcohol sales laws (83%); having mandatory training for alcohol servers/bar owners about sales to minors and dealing with intoxicated patrons (85%) and raising license fees for alcohol sellers to pay for increased enforcement (80%).
Sixty percent favor strongly setting a maximum limit on the number of alcohol outlets a community can have.
7 out of 10 would support shifting some of the funds now spent on trying to arrest and punish illegal drug dealers and users to rehabilitating abandoned and run-down buildings
Safety
Sixty-five percent consider it a top priority to expand the role of community policing, and almost 8 in 10 support shifting of some funds to this end.
16% have 5 or more drinks at one sitting at least once a month and 27% at least once in the past 12 months.
Among all ethnic populations surveyed, Latinos reported the highest incidence of having been in a car whose driver was under the influence (14% vs. white: 11%, black; 7% or asian: 10%).
Return
to Frontpage