Coalition

Noun. A diverse group of individuals and organizations who work together to create a healthy community. 

Community coalitions are the backbone of boots-on-the-ground substance use prevention work. While they can focus on whatever issues their community is facing, here in Wisconsin, substance use prevention is often a high priority. 

Coalitions can include, but are not limited to, people with lived substance use experience, those in recovery, business-owners, religious organizations, parents, healthcare professionals, youth, and law enforcement. By bringing together an array of perspectives, coalitions address substance use prevention in an all-encompassing way. They try to use different evidence-based programming, strategies, and tools to protect the community from the negative impacts of substance use. 

Coalitions are unique because they can ‘think small’ and focus in on the specific issues their community is facing. One size does not fit all when it comes to targeting substance use. As a result, you may have witnessed a coalition at work in your community in a wide variety of ways:

• Billboards on the dangers of opioid use
• Social media campaigns (Dose of Reality, Small Talks, Real Talks)
• School programming or school assemblies
• Alcohol or tobacco compliance checks
• Peer led groups (Students Against Destructive Decisions, FACT, Teen Court, etc.)
• National Night Out events
• Drug Takeback events
• Supplying naloxone, medicine lock boxes, and Deterra medicine deactivation kits
• Smoke-free air laws
• And more!!! 

Coalitions can make a BIG impact on their community and the people that call it home. If you are interested in learning more about what is happening in your community to address substance use, or want to get involved in these efforts, be sure to connect with your local coalition! 

Get Connected with Your Local Coalition

Northwoods Coalition is a network of coalitions from across Northern Wisconsin. Members of Northwoods Coalition receive training, funding, and technical assistance to support them in addressing youth substance use prevention in their own community. With over 40 member coalitions across the Northern Wisconsin, there is sure to be one near you! You can connect with your local coalition by visiting our website. https://www.northwoodscoalition.org/ 

Not located in Northern Wisconsin? That is okay, there are coalitions everywhere! Find more information on all of Wisconsin's Regional Prevention Centers and other community coalitions by visiting the Department of Health Services website here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aoda/awy.htm