About UsWISE Coalition is a group of concerned citizens in White County Arkansas whose primary goal is to empower White County youth to choose healthy behaviors and lifestyles concerning the reduction of underage drinking and prescription drug misuse. Local data shows that the average age of first alcohol use is 12.8 years old and average age of first prescription drug abuse is 13.4 years old. Research indicates that alcohol and drug use by youth will negatively impact how their brain develops during this crucial stage of growth. WISE Coalition currently has a Drug Free Communities Grant. The Drug-Free Communities Support Program (DFC) is a Federal grant program that provides funding to community-based coalitions that organize to prevent youth substance use.
|
MISSION & GOALS |
Our mission is to develop a countywide, culturally competent coalition that will work for the prevention and reduction of underage drinking and the misuse and abuse of all substances by all ages.
Goals To reduce underage drinking in White County. To reduce substance abuse in White County. To have a prevention program in every place in the county where children and their caretakers are found: schools, after school programs, churches, homes, and businesses. To educate the community and to increase community collaboration. |
Our History |
In early 2004, eleven concerned White County citizens convened with a single goal to establish a coalition dedicated to fighting substance abuse in White County. The name White County Invested in Substance Abuse Eradication (WISE) was created. By late 2004, a steering committee developed by-laws, installed board of directors, and five committees were established. The WISE coalition members' met regularly and began hosting town hall meetings on underage drinking in various cities throughout White County.
|