Coalition News

PORTSMOUTH — Positive Pathways to Prevention, a coalition that furthers community discussion, prevention and action against youth drug and alcohol use is at risk.

The coalition received a grant last year to organize and has gathered community members, parents, business owners, police, school officials and others to tackle the issue in the greater Portsmouth area. Next month, however, the $50,000 grant runs out.

With the grant, the coalition hired coordinator Stacy Kramer, organized awareness and prevention activities and built an oversight board of police, school officials, parents and business owners. It started the Student Voices group at Portsmouth High for students to examine drug and alcohol use among their peers and in the community and to find their way to have a positive impact.

"We want to continue, but without funding it will be difficult," Kramer said, adding the coalition includes education and training for students so they can work with peers. "Our hope is to be able to continue that."

The coalition is seeking grants for various projects, including the federal Drug Free Communities Support grant, which it can apply for in February. It would provide $125,000 annually for five years. It previously applied for the grant but was not selected. In the meantime, it seeks community support or sponsorship to help keep services going until February. To apply for the federal grant, the group must be currently providing services. The coalition does not receive any school funding, Kramer said.

The coalition has organized workshops on drug and alcohol use and bullying for parents and students. This week, with the Community Diversion Program, ONE VOICE Southeastern NH, Child and Family Services, and N.H. Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services — it will celebrate Red Ribbon Week at PHS. The week includes activities like student-developed public service announcements, an anti-drug slogan contest and traffic initiatives highlighting alcohol and drug statistics.

Students will also create an "impact project" where they highlight effect of drugs and alcohol on the community. The week concludes with a drug-free "Dance Off" competition Friday hosted by the Portsmouth Student Assistance Program, Rachel's Challenge and the Community Diversion Program. "It's a highlight of one week, but we do things all year long," Kramer said.

If the coalition doesn't receive grant funding or community sponsorship, it could fall to a volunteer capacity, Kramer said. Volunteer work would be difficult to coordinate between all parties involved, which is the focus of her position. "It's sad for me to see all the momentum we've built and the community buy-in has been great," she said. "I want people to know where we are and that there is a real struggle there and a real possibility that the momentum could go away. I'd love to do more. I think we haven't done enough."

For more information, call Kramer at 617-0085, e-mail skramer@portsmouth.k12.nh.us. or visit http://positivepathwaystoprevention.ning.com.