Napa County Catalyst Coalition

Description

In an effort to engage Napa County in community-wide planning, in 2005 the Napa County Health & Human Services Agency collaborated with the Napa County Office of Education to bring a Drug Free Communities Support Program funded by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to Napa County. The project was named the Catalyst Coalition and engaged community members in coalition building efforts to prevent underage alcohol and marijuana use throughout the county.

Using four City Teams ( American Canyon, Napa, Calistoga and St. Helena) that involve a broad range of community stakeholders including parents, service providers, law enforcement, policy makers, community members and others, the Catalyst Coalition engaged in the planning and implementation of a Strategic Prevention Plan.

In 2006-2007, each City Team engaged in the planning process utilizing a nationally recognized planning model (see below) to identify the substance abuse issues impacting their communities and ways to address those problems at the local level. The 5 steps that make up the SPF assist communities in developing the infrastructure needed for a community-based, public health approach leading to effective and sustainable reductions in alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use and abuse.

The Coalition's City Teams each meet monthly and are always welcoming of curious or interested community members, to help or to just learn more. YOUR Community. YOUR Voice!