Implementing the Strategic Prevention Framework in the Capital Region of New Hampshire

Introduction:

New Hampshire (NH) was awarded a Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) State Incentive Grant (SIG) in 2004. The SPF is being implemented statewide through the development of regional coalitions to address underage drinking and binge drinking. The Capital Region Community Prevention Coalition (CRCPC) is one of ten regional coalitions formed through this initiative. The CRCPC serves 26 towns, 2 cities, a population of 141,996, covering 1061 square miles in central NH. Of youth surveyed, as many as 49% report alcohol use before age 13, 55.1% report current use, and 41% report current binge drinking. To date, the CRCPC has implemented the capacity, assessment, and planning steps of the SPF.

Results:

Capacity. The CRCPC has completed 131 one-on-one interviews with 15 community sectors and has a membership of 75, up 60% over 1.5 years. As a result of participating in the SPF, coalition members have demonstrated increased regional collaboration and an improved understanding of evidence-based prevention, as recorded through meeting minutes. Assessment. Through the assessment, coalition members identified social norms and perception of risk as priority risk factors in the region. Planning. Coalition members have chosen comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to implement region-wide. Strategies for implementation include local coalition development, social marketing, enforcement, media literacy education, and policy change. Implementation. Full implementation of these strategies begins in May 2009. Evaluation. Nine out of ten school districts have agreed to participate in the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), an increase of 125% from 2007 providing baseline evaluation data for this project.