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
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In This Issue
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Spring 2011 Alcohol Compliance Check Results
During the spring of 2011, volunteers between the ages of 18-20 participated in the Racine County Alcohol Compliance Check Program. Volunteers were trained by Focus on Community and the Racine County Youth Coalition.
Law enforcement officers accompanied volunteers on all Compliance Checks. Local law enforcement agencies that conducted the checks include the Racine County Sheriff's Dept., City of Racine Police Dept., Village of Sturtevant Police Dept., Village of Mt. Pleasant Police Dept.
Out of the 125 establishments that were checked by volunteers in the spring of 2010, 15 failed by selling to an underage volunteer. The establishments that failed the compliance checks are as follows:
Christiano's Supermarket, 2054 Kearney Ave., Racine
MJ Food Mart, 1347 Lathrop Ave., Racine
Magic Dollar Plus, 1007 Washington Ave, Racine
Matranga's, 1200 Villa St., Racine
Nagra Pump & Pantry, 1826 Douglas Ave., Racine
Piggly Wiggly, 3900 Erie St., Racine
Super Mercado Gran Morales, 1101 N. Memorial Dr., Racine
Grapes 2 Glass, 10351 Washington Ave., Racine
MJ Petroleum, 2325 Racine St., Racine
Mobil on the Run, 6840 Washington Ave, Racine
Arbee's Liquor Inc., 4606 Douglas Ave., Racine
7 mile BP, 7952 Hwy 41, Caledonia
Rudy's North, 3303 St. Paul St., Franksville
Pilot Travel Center, 13712 Northwestern Ave., Franksville
Sai Mart, 13600 7 Mile Rd., Caledonia
The Racine County Youth Coalition would like to thank those stores that passed the Compliance Checks. Racine County is a safer and healthier community when alcohol is kept out of the hands of young people.
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Find us on Facebook!
The RCYC is now on Facebook. Click the Facebook logo to be taken to our page.
Once you are on Facebook, click the 'Like' and share our page with your friends.
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New Report Estimates Illicit Drug Use Costs U.S. Economy More Than $193 Billion Annually
Illicit drug use cost the U.S. economy more than $193 billion in 2007, according to estimates from a study by the Department of Justice's National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC). The study, The Economic Impact of Illicit Drug Use on American Society, was produced on behalf of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Bloomberg News reports that the study cites the cost of illegal drug use is similar to that of diabetes, which a 2008 government study found costs more than $174 billion annually.
"This study shows the economic cost of illicit drug use is significant," NDIC Director, Michael F. Walther, said in a press release. "The study's finding that the economic cost of illicit drug abuse totaled $193 billion reveals that this nation's drug problem is on par with other health problems."
The NDIC explains the study is the first comprehensive assessment of costs associated with drug use in almost a decade. The statistical findings in the study included economic costs in the three following areas: crime, health and productivity.
Click here to visit DrugFree.org/join-together for more information.
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Study Finds ADHD is a Major Risk Factor for Developing Substance Use Disorders and Smoking
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a significant risk factor for developing substance use disorders and cigarette smoking in both boys and girls, new research indicates.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston analyzed data on about 500 boys and girls both with and without ADHD who were followed over 10 years, into young adulthood. They found that ADHD was a significant risk factor for any substance use disorder and cigarette smoking.
UPI reports the researchers found that among those with ADHD, 32 percent developed some type of substance abuse during the 10-year period, compared with 25 percent of those without ADHD. The study also found that having conduct disorder and ADHD tripled the risk of substance use disorders. "Anyone with ADHD needs to be counseled about the risk for substance abuse, particularly if they have any delinquency," lead researcher Timothy Wilens, MD said in a press release.
The study is published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Click here to visit DrugFree.org/join-together for more information.
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Sky High Prices for Prescription Opioids Sold on Street
Prices for prescription painkillers sold illegally are sky-high, according to data from federal law enforcement agencies. These prices are creating a fast-growing street market for prescription painkillers.
For example, the street price for brand-name OxyContin is $50 to $80 per pill, while generic oxycodone sells for $12 to $40 per pill. In a pharmacy, both pills sell for around $6, CNN reports.
Prescription drugs have passed marijuana as the most common gateway drug for first-time drug abuse, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Seven million Americans abused prescription pain and anxiety drugs in 2009-a 13 percent increase from the prior year, according to the DEA, which expects another double-digit rise for 2010.
Sergeant Stephen Opferman of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told CNN that the most worrisome trend he sees is the rise in young teens who are abusing prescription drugs. "The kids think these drugs must be safer than heroin because their parents take them," he said. "They hold what they call 'skittles parties' where they try out sleeping pills, anti-anxiety pills and pain medicine."
Click here to visit DrugFree.org/join-together for more information.
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AWARE Opposes Expanding Youth Access to Alcohol in Movie Theaters
Madison, Wisconsin - The UW Health-led AWARE coalition urged the Legislature to remove the budget provision allowing minors not accompanied by their parent or guardian to be at a movie theater that serves beer or liquor.
Adopted June 1 with no public discussion or debate, the provision was included in the general-fund motion.
"This is shocking," said Lisa Maroney, UW Health/AWARE spokesperson. "In a state that clearly has a drinking problem among adults and kids, we are allowing even more establishments to serve alcohol where children recreate. Will there be no place left where children can go for entertainment that doesn't include alcohol?"
As of 2008, Wisconsin adults continue to have the highest rates of alcohol consumption, binge drinking and heavy drinking among all U.S. states and territories. Wisconsin rates of underage drinking (ages 12-20) also exceed national levels, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Epidemiological Profile on Alcohol and Other Drug Use, 2010.
"This adopted budget motion defies logic," said Maroney. "The state is a leader in the country of alcohol outlets per person. It's not as if people can't find a place to drink in Wisconsin, but now we will let theaters serve too, and allow children on the same premises."
Maroney further questioned how alcohol use will be monitored in theaters and if there will be separate seating sections for drinkers and children.
"How will it be ensured that minors won't be given alcohol once they are seated in the darkened theater?" she asked. "This legislative change needs to be done by separate legislation with a full public hearing. Too many questions and concerns are raised."
AWARE is a statewide coalition of more than 60 different health, law enforcement, community and educational organizations dedicated to improving the health and safety of Wisconsin residents in the fight against alcohol.
Click here to read the original article.
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Focus on Community Golf Outing Fundraiser
Please help prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse in our community by supporting our 10th Annual Golf and Dinner Event on Friday June 24, 2011.
Our youth encounter difficult situations on a daily basis. The need for prevention education has never been greater. Proceeds from our golf outing will allow Focus to continue to provide certified programs that address youth development and family strengthening.
Please take some time to look at how you can help make this event a success and give your business positive community exposure.
- Play in the golf outing. Have fun while helping your community! Anyone can participate in our scramble format. "On-course events" add to the fun.
- Become a Corporate Sponsor. Get the most exposure! Your company name/logo will be featured in all publications, advertisements, signage and media for the outing. Sponsorship levels include golf and cart, lunch, prizes, and dinner for four. Silver ($500), Gold ($1,000), Platinum ($1,500), and Event ($5,000) sponsorships are available.
- Promote your business by being a Hole Sponsor. Signage will be displayed on the course and at dinner. ($100) Signage is also available in memory or honor of someone special in your life.
- Sponsor a Table. Table tents will be displayed on a table at dinner with your name or name of business ($25). Signage is also available in memory or honor of someone special in your life.
- Donate items for the silent auction and raffle. Gift certificates/cards and sports items make excellent auction items.
- Give charitable cash donations. Your donation will help offer children in Racine County a brighter future
As Focus on Community celebrates 30 years of serving Racine County, we look forward to continuing to make a difference for future generations. We value your support. Together we can make a difference in the fight against substance abuse.
Sincerely,
The Focus Staff
Download a brochure here.
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