PORTLAND NOW PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Portland Now Prevention Partnership is a grassroots community coalition working to reduce substance abuse among youth and adults, with a focus on reducing tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use - the most commonly abused substances.  Here’s a look at the group’s work in 2010-2011.

Coalition growth and development:In 2010-11 we continued welcoming many new partners and members to support the Coalition’s mission of reducing substance abuse. Renewed interest and many collaborative projects allowed the Coalition to reach out to community partners to support joint projects and spread the word about the Coalition, its partners and the Portland neighborhood. Special thanks to all who have invited new people to come to monthly meetings. Please invite your friends and neighbors to attend Coalition meetings on the third Thursday of the month at 12 noon at Neighborhood House.

Youth leadership: CLUB PRIDE, a youth group devoted to education, awareness and prevention of substance abuse, is continuing to grow and expand its influence in the community. CLUB PRIDE took a leadership role in planning for the KICK BUTTS DAY, 2011 celebration at Neighborhood House and was involved in developing a public service announcement against youth alcohol use. The group also promoted Red Ribbon Week and continues to develop new projects.

Training Doctors in Early Intervention:
The Partnership collaborated with Family Health Clinics to train their physicians and nurse practitioners to administer a paper-and-pencil screening tool to identify clients who may be engaging in risky substance use, and intervene as indicated, with possible referral to treatment resources. The program is called SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) and research has shown it to be an effective medical intervention.

Mother’s Day Outis a fun event for pregnant women and provides education on how to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.  Moms are treated to crafts, massage, and gifts while learning about tobacco cessation and other pregnancy topics.  The partnership supports these events and hosted two training events in 2010-11.

What are SOCIAL NORMS anyway? Research shows that BELIEFS can predict behavior – perhaps even more than FACTS! Social norms campaigns are designed to COUNTERACT false beliefs among youth and adults that “everyone’s doing it”. 

Literacy Programs:The Partnership provides financial support to literacy programs at Neighborhood House. These programs serve both youth and adults and provide the support needed to improve academic and work achievement. We’re working to give parents and kids the skills needed to succeed and thrive.

Early Intervention Program: The Partnership provides counseling and referral scholarships to families who are worried about their youth. The program is offered through Seven Counties Services. Contact Jackie McComb if you or a friend would like more information on this or other projects of the Partnership.

WE’VE GOT (MORE) SURVEYS! The Partnership surveyed the community again in 2011 (at the Portland Festival) to get a handle on attitudes related to substance use and the Portland Community. The results help us understand the issues facing our neighborhood and design ways to address them. Many thanks to the youth and adult volunteers who manned our booth at the festival.

Grants Received: In addition to working with our federal partner, the Drug Free Communities Support Program, the Partnership was successful in receiving regional and private foundation grants to support its mission. More resources mean a greater impact on the lives and health of Portland residents.

Collaborations: The Partnership has worked with many organizations over the year and extends thanks to all who have worked with us to reduce substance abuse.  In no particular order, and hoping not to miss anyone… many, many thanks to:

Western Middle School, Mackin Center, Portland Now, Inc., Neighborhood House, Metro Parks and Recreation, Shawnee Weed and Seed Committee, Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton, Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Kentucky Youth Advocates, Metro United Way, the Portland Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library, Portland Promise Center, District 1 Police Auxiliary, Louisville Police Department, Portland Christian Schools, Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness, Portland Health Clinic, Area Health Education Cooperative, Kentucky Lung Association, Louisville Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control, JB Atkinson Elementary, Portland Christian Schools, Portland Area Ministries, Kentucky Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, CLUB PRIDE, Seven Counties Services, Maryhurst, AARP,  Jefferson County Smoke Free Task Force…

And most importantly

THE GOOD PEOPLE OF
 THE PORTLAND NEIGHBORHOOD
WHO ARE WORKING TOGETHER
FOR A SAFER, HEALTHIER COMMUNITY