I think our mission statement says it all: 'To promote drug-free environments for youth by enhancing partnerships to educate, advocate and support locally-based community mobilization."

To me, this important mission means real collaboration on the broadest scale, across all aspects of community life. No longer can any person imagine that drug use does not affect his or her life. Poor school performance, poor health, anti-social behavior, and delinquency all add up to increased poverty, increased crime, higher healthcare costs, and, ultimately lost lives, all of which take a toll on every member of our community.

So, what can we do about this? Fixing it is a tall order. But, by addressing the root causes of the problem, we've got a fighting chance. The Coalition's efforts are focused on changing how the community looks at youth drug and alcohol use. Our prevention work increases those factors that provide kids with protection and works to decrease the risk factors that encourage use. We work closely with all sectors of the community-parents, schools, media, businesses, churches, and many others--to be sure that a consistent, anti-use message is heard across the region and that influential adults have the tools they need to reinforce this message.

Won't you be a part of this message? There remains much work to do. As 2009 draws to a close, please make a year-end, tax deductible contribution to the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati. It's easy-click here to contribute online, call us at 513-751-8000, or fill out this pledge card and return to us prior to December 31, 2009. Thank you for your support of healthy, drug-free communities and youth!