HCPC hopes survey will lead to more involvement from members
During its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 24, the members of the Holmes County Prevention Coalition (HCPC) got to know each other a little better.
At least they shared some information about themselves that may help guide their specific skills and passions within the coalition to where they can best be utilized.
During the meeting, members in attendance filled out a partner interest survey which developed ideas as to what attributes they felt they brought to the coalition and how they would most like to get involved.
As the coalition has continued its successful run in Holmes County, one of the main objectives is to get many people involved in the overall effort to reduce drug, alcohol and tobacco use in the county, and primarily the efforts have been geared toward teens.
“What it does is help us as a coalition look at the strong points of our individuals,” said Midge Roberts, HCPC coordinator. “It tells us what our members enjoy doing, and what they want to be involved with. That way we can plug people into the coalition in ways that they find exciting and meaningful.”
The partner interest survey also gave some insight as to how members could best take what they are gleaning from the monthly meetings and other HCPC functions, and embellish it in their work place and community.
“In order for the coalition to branded as a part of Holmes County and its communities, and to find sustainability that will allow us to continue to do the good work that we have all been a part of over the past years, it has to be branded, and people have to take it back and talk about it wherever they are.”
Roberts has been diligent in passing along vital and pertinent information concerning issues pertaining drugs and alcohol to HCPC members, especially when that information concerns teens.
As the coalition website continues to grow, the information being passed along to members will become readily available to the public.
The next big focal point for the coalition will be the Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign, which promotes using common sense, and avoiding drug and alcohol use during prom and graduation season.
The idea behind Parents Who Host is to connect with parents in terms of knowledge concerning the illegality of providing alcohol to underage teens, and to even being a host to that kind of activity.
While most adults realize that going out and drinking at teen parties is a horrible decision for teens to make, many of them do not understand the ramifications of hosting a party in their home and serving alcohol to underage drinkers.
Adults who provide alcohol for teens under 21 years old are not only placing youth at risk for health, safety and legal problems, but they will be liable themselves for providing the alcohol.
“One of the biggest issues concerning parties at home is that parents or adults are unaware of the consequences of providing alcohol to teens,” said Roberts. “There are stiff penalties, and just because parents keep their kids at home, it doesn’t make it OK to serve alcohol. It’s still against the law.”
Anyone found guilty of providing alcohol to youth can face up to a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail, in addition to any civil action that might be brought as a result of any damages or injury related to the offense.
Roberts said that the county, and accountable adults, have the authority and the responsibility to create alternative options for youth, where alcohol-free gatherings can create just as much entertainment and fun for the teens.
She added that the coalition is working hard toward creating more awareness, not only for underage drinking and the laws and consequences of such actions, but also of the risks associated with tobacco and drugs. Much of what the coalition does is geared toward youth.
The HCPC has made a point of trying to draw attention to the problems with underage drinking during the spring, when school proms and high school graduations are prevalent. In doing so, they have placed signs all over the county, especially near the schools, displaying Parents Who Host logos and information.
At least they shared some information about themselves that may help guide their specific skills and passions within the coalition to where they can best be utilized.
During the meeting, members in attendance filled out a partner interest survey which developed ideas as to what attributes they felt they brought to the coalition and how they would most like to get involved.
As the coalition has continued its successful run in Holmes County, one of the main objectives is to get many people involved in the overall effort to reduce drug, alcohol and tobacco use in the county, and primarily the efforts have been geared toward teens.
“What it does is help us as a coalition look at the strong points of our individuals,” said Midge Roberts, HCPC coordinator. “It tells us what our members enjoy doing, and what they want to be involved with. That way we can plug people into the coalition in ways that they find exciting and meaningful.”
The partner interest survey also gave some insight as to how members could best take what they are gleaning from the monthly meetings and other HCPC functions, and embellish it in their work place and community.
“In order for the coalition to branded as a part of Holmes County and its communities, and to find sustainability that will allow us to continue to do the good work that we have all been a part of over the past years, it has to be branded, and people have to take it back and talk about it wherever they are.”
Roberts has been diligent in passing along vital and pertinent information concerning issues pertaining drugs and alcohol to HCPC members, especially when that information concerns teens.
As the coalition website continues to grow, the information being passed along to members will become readily available to the public.
The next big focal point for the coalition will be the Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign, which promotes using common sense, and avoiding drug and alcohol use during prom and graduation season.
The idea behind Parents Who Host is to connect with parents in terms of knowledge concerning the illegality of providing alcohol to underage teens, and to even being a host to that kind of activity.
While most adults realize that going out and drinking at teen parties is a horrible decision for teens to make, many of them do not understand the ramifications of hosting a party in their home and serving alcohol to underage drinkers.
Adults who provide alcohol for teens under 21 years old are not only placing youth at risk for health, safety and legal problems, but they will be liable themselves for providing the alcohol.
“One of the biggest issues concerning parties at home is that parents or adults are unaware of the consequences of providing alcohol to teens,” said Roberts. “There are stiff penalties, and just because parents keep their kids at home, it doesn’t make it OK to serve alcohol. It’s still against the law.”
Anyone found guilty of providing alcohol to youth can face up to a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail, in addition to any civil action that might be brought as a result of any damages or injury related to the offense.
Roberts said that the county, and accountable adults, have the authority and the responsibility to create alternative options for youth, where alcohol-free gatherings can create just as much entertainment and fun for the teens.
She added that the coalition is working hard toward creating more awareness, not only for underage drinking and the laws and consequences of such actions, but also of the risks associated with tobacco and drugs. Much of what the coalition does is geared toward youth.
The HCPC has made a point of trying to draw attention to the problems with underage drinking during the spring, when school proms and high school graduations are prevalent. In doing so, they have placed signs all over the county, especially near the schools, displaying Parents Who Host logos and information.
Published: April 3, 2011
