On March 5 members of the community came together to provide some background about the events of the summer leading to the development of a coordination of the response to the youth substance abuse in the community. This group discussed what we could do to better our community by helping youth. A grid with ideas was put together, with action steps that need to get done.
At the meeting groups, that were at last years event were invited, by the Mayors Task Force on Youth Drug and Alcohol Use. To come together to share what they have done in the past year. Plus discuss where the gaps are and what else we need to get done.
The following groups gave updates on their progress.
Union of Youth, board member Ruth Amerman. Reported that the youth members of the Key are looking of a larger location and ideas for a youth mall. Also the need for a variety of activities for youth. Main street Mentors are up 50% this year
Work of the MTF. Reported recognizing /publicizing businesses that passed compliance checks. Bringing back the Neighborhood Watch program. In addition developing a Social Norms marketing campaign. Continuing court monitoring, and coffee can program (parent/youth communication, through local coffee shops)
HCI (Healthy Community Initiative) Zach Pruitt, coordinator. Which supports and funds many area projects. HCI also takes the lead with NPS in administration of the HCI Student Survey.
Enforcement team Bob Sletten, Chief deputy. Better training for those who sell alcohol. Continue the ZAP ( Zero Alcohol Provider ) program, inform community on the ZAP program. Plus supporting the efforts of the use of drug dogs.
Provider team Kathy Sandberg and Zach Pruitt. Their continued efforts include physician education, outpatient adolescent treatment opportunities, prescription drug disposal, online resource directory.
Northfield Police Roger Schroeder, Chief of Police reported they have revised the licensing process for alcohol vendors, increased compliance checks, hosted the mayor’s youth council at the police dept , other items were additional officers for ZAP, promoting the TIP line, getting a dog on staff, Neighborhood Watch and civilian response team grant.
Mentoring Coalition Linda Oto Was happy to report that they had 225 youth mentors last year. Plus training mentors, provide youth activities.
Northfield Public schools a report from Chris Richardson, Marine Thompson, Hannah Puczko. They commented the schools have a very positive relationship with Northfield Police Department. Plus are reviewing the health curriculum, Middle school youth center, Thursday Table, training for coaches and activity sponsors, double time for drug and alcohol counselor, link program, respect retreat and web program all help connect kids to the school.
The attendees where divided into three groups to work on creating a vision for Northfield where prevention measures were comprehensive and accessible. The groups came up with a variety of ideas. Which included public transportation (light rail to the cities), bike trails, bike lanes, youth center mall, expansion of Omada’s services, a possible recovery school, youth on city council and school board, central place in the community with a variety of resources for all, intergenerational opportunities, activities with minimal structure, better communication about what is available.
