MISSION:

We are a coalition of concerned individuals who care about the health and well-being of our children, families, schools, and communities. We strive to reduce those risk factors that lead to alcohol and drug abuse, teen pregnancy, violence and school dropout.  We are empowering Allegany County, New York to collaboratively work together to create a healthy environment for our youth while encouraging positive change.

The PPAC Coalition was formed in 1998 in response to the growing needs for substance abuse prevention for at-risk youth and families.  Representatives from 12 sectors came together to find a comprehensive approach to prevention initiatives that were evidenced-based and data driven to address significant problems important to the community.

In 2001, Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (ACASA) implemented the Risk and Protective Factor Surveys for 6, 8, 10, and 12^th graders.  These results would prove to be valuable for local school districts to begin to implement effective strategies.  The steering committee then applied for the Drug Free Communities Support Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and was awarded a small grant to build a community coalition.

We had no idea the response would be so great!  Our little rural community coalition grew to over 150 members strong with several projects implemented over the last decade.  Projects have addressed issues such as underage drinking to community action to improve the overall environment for our kids, families, schools, and local towns and villages.

Over the years, we can see significant improvement.  Refer to the Drug Free Communities Outcome Data for Allegany County below. Prevention Really Does Work! It takes considerable commitment and belief in our programs and our youth, but we have come a long way and the results show it!

From 2011 in which the Allegany County Senior past 30 day use of alcohol was 41.7% to 2019 being 29.2%.

From 2011 in which the Allegany County Senior past 30 day use of cigarettes was 31.7% to 2019 being 10.8%.

From 2011 in which Allegany County Seniors past 30 day use of marijuana was 18.6% to 2019 being 14.6%.