Minutes from PDAC Meeting
7-8 pm at the Pittsfield Town Hall
December 14th, 2009

In attendance: Denise Morin [Local Agency], Zach Powers [Youth Organization] Shannon Swett [Other Prevention Organization], Andrea Reil [Business], Dan Ward [Parent], Bill Smith [Faith], Linda Lansdowne [Civic] Jim Maestrani, Sarah Sadowski, Scott Ward

Meeting called to order at 7pm.

I. PDAC Year-in-Review- Successes
These accomplishments include being the recipient of a grant from the Capital Region Planning Coalition for $33,000 which so far has allowed for: the hiring of staff, development of the Safe Homes pledge (15% of pledges were returned in a single collection effort), launch of Project Alert (universal coverage of all 7th and 8th graders at the Middle School) and expanded community outreach. PDAC has held forums for the faith and business sectors that drew over 15 potential allies and has been cultivating representation from diverse sectors. The Chief has used feedback from stakeholder meetings to decide how to spend a $5,000 NH Charitable grant from an anonymous donor.

II. Reports
Linda from the Concord-Epsom Elks reported on the group’s current activities which include a drug awareness program that involves a poster and essay contest, an online quiz testing drug and alcohol awareness and access to a mobile prevention trailer that she volunteered to share with PDAC. The Elks are also active in many other areas; an annual Hoop Shoot for kids 8-13 that culminates in national finals, scholarships and sending children of military families to Copper Cannon Camp.

Bill Smith is the new Pastor at the Church of God and shared his ideas regarding alternative activities for youth including a coffee house for kids. He voiced strong support for the role of faith in recovery.

Scott Ward from the Masons shared some of his group’s activities and along with Dan Ward will be attending a breakfast where a speaker from a New Hampshire treatment center will be speaking.

Andrea Riel provided perspective from the business sector, especially regarding some of the outreach ideas such as information dissemination via paychecks (Andi is not sure it would work in her context but perhaps could in another situation).

Shannon Swett was on hand from the Capital Region Community Prevention Coalition to discuss selecting evidence-based interventions. Shannon cautioned against using programs that are not evidence-based. She shared that speakers have a very short term effect and mock car crashes actually have an adverse effect. She recommended the newly-formed Center for Excellence to help guide future efforts.

III. YRBS Data
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was discussed. Shannon explained how answers are triangulated to verify respondent consistency and thus extrapolated regarding honesty. Whereas research findings show that youth are usually honest in their responses, a couple of the group members commented that adults are less likely to be honest with themselves about how much they drink. Linda suggested focusing messages that would help shape how adults define a problem such as binge drinking which lead to a conversation about quizzes to capture attention. The group discussed the importance of prevention but also the need for greater access to treatment.

IV. Planning for 2010
Sarah outlined upcoming ways to participate- pledge collections, YRBS data review, one-to-one interviews, etc. and opened the conversation for what PDAC members feel is important to address in 2010. The main goals are as follows:
· Building coalition capacity- this involves getting new folks involved and strengthening existing relationships. Special attention needs to be paid to media representation. Currently there is an informal partnership with the Suncook Valley Sun but this could be strengthened. Mobilizing via specific projects is necessary.
· Partnerships- possible partnering with other organizations was discussed, whether through existing programs such as the Elks or supporting start up ventures like Pastor Smith’s coffee housing idea.
· Policy development and advocacy- feedback from both the business forum and tonight’s discussion indicated that spreading the word about strengthening the Social Host Liability law, local ordinances and increasing consequences of buying for or selling to minors remain top priorities. Alcohol density in Pittsfield is also an issue.
· Outreach- Increasing our online presence via social networking and posting of minutes, volunteer opportunities, etc.
· Addressing issues of access- Youth get their alcohol from adults, often parents. Addressing this social norm is essential and Safe Homes provides a good place to start. In addition to working the positive social-pressure angle, publicizing enforcement efforts and the Buyer Beware state campaign is a must.

The next meeting will be held January 11th at 7pm at the Pittsfield Youth Workshop.

Thank you for attending!