Partnering the Spanish-speaking Community with Government Agencies for a Drug-Free Cherryland

The Spanish-speaking community in Cherryland has been highly targeted by the tobacco and alcohol industry. Additionally, lack of transportation, and language/cultural barriers impact the community's decision on alcohol and tobacco consumption. In order to determine how to best address the issue over overconsumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, a needs assessment was conducted with the local school district, various agencies and stakeholders, and the youth. California Healthy Kids Survey data was used to support the qualitative assessment. Results substantiated the need to involve the Spanish-speaking community in the decision and policy making processes to build capacity and community ownership. The community organizing model was used to connect the Spanish-speaking community with existing government structures and coalitions and reduce cultural/language barriers. This was done through a series of capacity-building trainings on prevention, policy, presentation/oral skill development, and government structure. Trainings were conducted among 20 Spanish-speaking parents. As a result, parents have had a five-fold increase in participation at government coalition meetings. Being empowered through the process, they have called themselves “Padres Unidos” (Parents United). A “Take Back the Parks” movement has been initiated to increase their presence in the local parks to dissuade alcohol use and improve the norms around drinking at the parks. There has been a marked decrease in alcohol consumption at three parks in Cherryland through the concerted and collective efforts of the government-community partnership.