Column: CHI looks forward to productive new year

On Aug. 31, 2010, the Chemical Health Initiative of Goodhue County learned that it had been selected by the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy to receive a Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant for $125,000.

If the CHI is able to meet all federal guidelines for program progress, including participating in a national cross-site evaluation process, it will receive $125,000 each year for the next five years. This grant award represents the sixth consecutive year of federal funding for the CHI.

One of approximately 100 Drug Free Communities Coalitions to receive federal funding in 2005, the CHI went straight to work and adopted the strategic prevention framework as promulgated by the Office of National Drug Control Policy to guide and shape its operations.

But competition for the grants was even more intense in 2010 than it was in 2005. So why did the ONDCP select the Chemical Health Initiative of Goodhue County as a sixth-year grantee for these coveted federal dollars?

Outcomes!

When the CHI submitted its second grant application in 2010, it was able to demonstrate that the goals and objectives proposed within its first five-year plan had been accomplished.

That success merits both a review of these outcomes and recognition for the individuals in Goodhue County communities who went “above and beyond” in their efforts to get the work of the CHI under way.

Local approach

Local problems need local solutions.

To that end, the CHI staff and Advisory Board set to work to establish local CHI community councils in Red Wing (2006), Cannon Falls (2007), Goodhue (2008), Zumbrota (2009) and Kenyon-Wanamingo (2010).

Under the pioneering leadership of Goodhue County community workers such as Pam Horlitz, Tim Sletten, Dave Borgen, Bucky Lindow, Tia Schimek, Jake Smith, Gary Selsness, Gene Leifeld, Lee Sjolander, Dan Rechtzigel and Jeff Evert, the local councils designed and implemented evidence-based policies, practices and procedures within those five communities to embed sustainable prevention strategies.

An abbreviated list of 2010 local CHI initiatives targeted at creating community environments that support chemical health for our kids and families demonstrates the level of dedication and service that all of our local CHI community council members provided in the past 12 months:

• Kenyon-Wanamingo, Red Wing, Cannon Falls and Zumbrota CHI Councils planned and implemented “Sticker Shock Campaigns” to warn adult purchasers of alcohol about the penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors;

• All of the local CHI councils supported chemical health awareness projects at school open houses, high school sport registration meetings, parent/teacher conferences and Daddy/Daughter dances;

• The Red Wing CHI Council sponsored supplemental alcohol seller/server training at the Red Wing Public Library for all local on-sale and off-sale liquor licensees;

• All local CHI councils promoted chemical health awareness during local summer community events such as Volksfest, Cannon Valley Fair, Goodhue County Fair, Covered Bridge Days and Rose Days;

• Churches in all Goodhue County communities, under the leadership of Pastors Gary Elg and Dean Lundgren, participated in the third countywide “CHI Sunday” initiative, enlisting community faith leaders and youth ministers in promoting parent/child communication around drug and alcohol issues.

In addition to residents who worked to establish the presence of the CHI in their local environments, Goodhue County school districts made great strides in establishing prevention programs and policies within their school environments.

Cannon Falls School District

• Created a new Cannon Falls SADD group;

• Supported staff education regarding alcohol and drug issues;

• Maintained an active Chemical Health Assessment Team for students;

• Implemented intervention practices to assist students and families experiencing alcohol and drug issues.

Goodhue School District

• Formed a Chemical Health Assessment Team for students;

• Implemented a research-based health curriculum in grades K-6;

• Implemented intervention practices to assist students and families experiencing alcohol and drug issues.

Zumbrota-Mazeppa School District

• Maintained an active Chemical Health Assessment Team for students;

• Implemented a research-based health curriculum in elementary and middle school classes;

• Maintained a very strong SADD group in the high school;

• Supported staff education on alcohol and drug issues and prevention strategies.

Kenyon-Wanamingo School District

• Maintained an active Chemical Health Assessment Team for students;

• Implemented a research-based health curriculum in grades K-6;

• Maintained a school SADD group;

• Implemented intervention practices to assist students and families experiencing alcohol and drug issues.

Red Wing School District

• Implemented a research-based health class module in the High School.

With the continued perseverance and hard work of community members, school districts, and the CHI staff, Goodhue County will move closer to the CHI goal of healthy kids, healthy families and healthy communities.

To become involved in this important effort, go to the CHI website at www.chi-goodhue.org. Together, we can make great things happen.

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