The Prevention Network of
Washington County

The Prevention Network of Washington County, a program of Elevate, was formed in 2003 to develop a countywide strategic plan for substance abuse prevention in Washington County. The group is comprised of people from all sectors of the community including staff members of Elevate, education, law enforcement, healthcare, faith communities and more.

Since its inception, Prevention Network members have worked on several strategies to prevent substance abuse, especially among young people.  They include:

  • Compliance Checks -The main goal is to test retailers’ compliance with laws regarding the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

  • Know the FACTS - The coalition's Facebook Fan Page is used to get positive drug free messages out to additional youth. They have reached over 23,000 likes or shares on the page.

  • Parents Who Host - A campaign that focuses on awareness of the dangers of parents hosting parties that allow alcohol. We have over 70 business and 12 church-es involved countywide. For more information about the ramifications of underage alcohol use and to learn more about the consequences of hosting a party for teens where alcohol is served, check this out.

  • Above the Influence - A national campaign that allows teens to identify the positive influences around them and to act on them.

  • Responsible Alcohol Sales Class - Available to all employees who sell alcohol or tobacco. Teaches them how to check ID’s properly and detect fake ID’s as well.

NEW in 2020!!

The Prevention Network of Washington County is making the document, “Risk Management Guidelines for Serving Alcohol at Community Events” available for community event organizers. This is a FREE publication designed to help communities reduce risks associated with alcohol sales and consumption.

The Prevention Network also recently created a Position Statement on Recreational Marijuana Legislation. This document outlines the Washington County Prevention Network’s opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana use because of the increased risk to youth who may begin using it should it be legalized.

Prevention Network meetings are held every other month, on the 3rd Thursday, from 8:30-10 a.m. at Elevate, N169 W21005 Meadow Lane, Jackson.

For more information about the work of the Prevention Network or to volunteer, please contact us 

 

The Washington County Heroin Task Force

The Heroin Task Force, which grew out of the Prevention Network's work, was launched in February 2014 in response to the growing problem of prescription pain medication and heroin abuse in Washington County. 

Here is more information about the task force as well as resources related to the current heroin/opiate epidemic.