Services & Programs
Substance Abuse Education & Prevention
 Cowlitz Substance Abuse Coalition
(CSAC)
The Cowlitz Substance Abuse Coalition was formed in 1989 as the
result of a growing realization that substance abuse had become
a widespread and complex problem in our community. Separately,
agencies had been addressing this problem with their own individual
philosophies and approaches, but it is now known that all community
agencies must work together cooperatively to affect a change.
CSAC works to mobilize the community to be healthy and safe by
reducing substance abuse and violence through the integrated efforts
of communication, collaboration, cooperation, and cultural competency.
The Coalition recognizes differences in approach and program designs
and promotes cooperation between its participants to improve the
quality of life for all in our region. To do this, CSAC focuses
on programs that improve and strengthen the lives of individuals
and families such as the Cowlitz Drug-Free Community program, the
Cowlitz Meth Action Team, and the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Youth Commission.
Since its development, CSAC has operated with the support of numerous
groups and agencies through their contributions of time, resources
and donations from local citizens and businesses. Programs directed
by CSAC are funded through federal, state and private grants.
 Cowlitz
Meth Action Team (CMAT)
In 2001, concerned agencies identified a
rapid rise in the use of methamphetamines in our region. Due
to the more severe effects
of this drug on individuals, families and communities, the Cowlitz
Meth Action Team (CMAT) was formed specifically to address the
use and wide-range effects of this drug. CMAT works to coordinate
education, prevention, treatment, and criminal justice within
Cowlitz County to reduce the use of meth, to improve the quality
of life,
and ultimately save lives.
CMAT does this by providing education and training to the public
on the signs and effects of the use of Meth; linking individuals
and families to local resources; working with local business to
identify problematic purchasing for possible Meth use and manufacturing;
and working to address the needs of drug endangered children through
the cooperation and collaboration of Child Protective Services,
the courts, law enforcement, the medical community, and treatment
services. They work diligently to educate the youth and agencies
that can affect change to make our communities safer and to improve
the lives of those most vulnerable to the effects of drug use.
CMAT is comprised of concerned citizens, local law enforcement,
social service agencies, health and wellness agencies, adult and
juvenile courts, child advocacy agencies, school districts, service
clubs, business organizations, drug and alcohol treatment facilities,
faith based organizations, and judicial representatives.
Reducing
Under Age Drinking (RUAD)
The Cowlitz Substance Abuse Coalition
recognized the need to address underage drinking throughout Cowlitz
County in 2003. Several prevention
strategies have been and continue to be used and developed to
further this goal.
- Annually working with the Washington State Liquor
Control Board to conduct alcohol compliance checks on local businesses
throughout the county.
- Facilitating presentations to local service clubs to provide education
and discussion on the severity of the problem and what the community
can do to combat underage drinking.
- Conducting Town Hall meetings to address underage drinking.
- Tracking and comparing county-wide data from the Healthy Youth
Survey conducted in schools in 2004, 2006 and 2008 for the purpose
of educating the community and identifying risk factors to be
addressed.
- Organizing a media campaign utilizing local and statewide
data, prominent community citizens and informational advertisements
to educate the public on how underage drinking affects our community
specifically.
-
Actively opposing proposed “special liquor licenses” that
would provide alcohol at community events with a family
focus.
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