March 2010
Racine County Youth Coalition Newsletter
RCYC logo

Vision

Racine County is a place where youth assets are increasing and all youth are healthy, involved and successful members of the community.

Mission

The Racine County Youth Coalition engages agencies, business partners, communities, families and schools, to promote and foster positive change in community practices, public policy, and youth programming in order to build assets and reduce risk behaviors including substance abuse among all Racine County young people.


Interested in joining the RCYC? 

Contact Seth Kuranz at Focus on Community for more information.

(262) 632-6200
rcyc@focusracine.org
          
Join Our Mailing List

14 days

14 days
         
In This Issue
 
WIPARITYParity Bill in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin State Senate has approved the Parity Bill, 19-13.

A bill that would require insurers to cover addiction and mental health services on par with other health conditions has been approved by the Wisconsin Senate, the Wisconsin Radio Network reported Jan. 29.

"We've got to treat mental illness as a physical illness, which it is," said bill sponsor Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay). "The stigma exists, and I think that stigma still being out there is killing people, and it's just wrong. Can small business afford this? What are the costs of not treating mental illness and addiction?"

To read more click here.
tabaccocompanyNew Changes in Tobacco Packaging

With the FDA banning the use of terms such as 'light' from tobacco products, the Tobacco Industry is finding new ways to market their cigarettes.

The New York Times reported Feb. 18 that critics condemned tobacco companies for flouting the spirit, if not the letter, of the law. "They're using color coding to perpetuate one of the biggest public health myths into the next century," said Gregory N. Connolly of the Harvard School of Public Health.

Other examples include R.J. Reynolds decision to relabel Salem Ultra Lights to Salem Silver Box, and Marlboro Ultra Lights transformation into Marlboro Silver

Learn more about these changes at JoinTogether.org by clicking here.

MEdCollMedicine Collection Day

On Saturday, April 17 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM there will be two sites in Racine County where people can drop off their medication for safe disposal.
  • 6200 21st Street, Racine (North of former Sam's Club)
  • 156 E. State Street, Burlington
You can bring: Prescription Medication & Over the Counter Medication. Ointments, sprays, inhalers, creams, vials and pet medications are acceptable.

Do NOT Bring: Illegal drugs, Bio-hazardous Material, Needles/Sharps, Personal Care Products - shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreen.
  • Keep all medication in original bottles
  • Cross out your name but leave the name of the medication visible
  • Put all medication in a sealed bag
If you have question please contact:

City of Racine Health Department (262) 636-9203 Caledonia/Mt. Pleasant Health Department (262) 835-6429
Western Racine County Health Department (262) 763-4930

 HostloseParent Who Host Lose the Most Program

The Racine County Youth Coalition will be partnering with St Catherines High School and Focus on Community to convene a panel of community members and professionals involved in preventing underage drinking. 

Where:  St Catherines High School

When: March 31, 2010 from 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Cost: Free

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from a prevention specialist, law enforcement officer, insurance agent, high school student and parent about the possible health and legal consequences of underage drinking and social hosting.

The event is open to the public.  If you have any questions, please call 262.632.6200.
SurveyNew Survey Shows Changes in Drug Use

A new report finds that more kids say they are using alcohol and other drugs, but many parents are unable or unwilling to deal with the issue -- a bad combination when declining support for prevention and cultural apathy about the issue leave parents as the last and sometimes only line of defense against adolescent drug use.

The 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), released March 2 by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA) and MetLife Foundation, reported rather dramatic year-over-year spikes in past-month alcohol use (up 11 percent) and past-year use of marijuana (up 19 percent) and ecstasy (up 67 percent) among U.S. students in grades 9-12. 

For more information visit JoinTogether.org by clicking here.

Science"Emerging Science around Brain Development and Substance Abuse"

A Program for DFC Coalition Members & Professionals Presented by Dr. Ken Winters

When:  Friday, March 19
 8-8:30am Registration & Hospitality
 8:30-10:30am Presentation with Q &A

Where: Excellence Center
  Leadership Hall
  N4 W22000 Bluemound Rd, Waukesha
            (Parking and entrance in back of building)

Coalition Members and Professionals - Hear about:
  • New emerging science on adolescent brain development
  • How substances impact normal brain development during the teen years
  • Insights into why teens think and behave the way they do
Reservations are not necessary, but to aid in planning, an RSVP is greatly appreciated. Please RVSP to: Erin Drout at edrout@waukeshacounty.gov Or call 262-896-8263 for more information.
 armyArmy VS Alcohol Treatment

A new report shows that more men and women in the United States army are enrolling in alcohol treatment programs.

More soldiers are experiencing problems with alcohol and the Army needs to double its staff of addiction counselors to meet the demand, according to Army vice chief of staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli.

USA Today reported Feb. 9 that Chiarelli said that the Army needs roughly 300 more counselors to ensure that soldiers' needs are being met and to cut down on wait time for services.

In 2009, 9,199 soldiers enrolled in alcohol treatment, up 56 percent since 2003; a total of 16,388 sought counseling, up from 11,309 in 2003. "There's no doubt in my mind that since 2001 and being involved in two wars ... that we probably have a higher incidence of alcohol abuse," Chiarelli said.

Alcohol-related problems dwarf cases involving illicit drugs in the Army, accounting for 85 percent of the treatment caseload. The Army currently is 20 percent short of its target for addiction counselors: the service currently seeks to have one counselor for every 2,000 soldiers but wants to lower that to 1 per 1,600 soldiers.

To learn more please click here.