Long Beach Medical Center’s Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking
Long Beach Medical Center is the sponsoring organization of the Long Beach Medical Center Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking, Marijuana and Tobacco Use.
The Coalition was formed in September 2000 when the Medical Center sought a partnership with three other community agencies, the Long Beach School District, the Long Beach Police Department and the City of Long Beach, to address the problem of underage drinking in the surrounding communities.
Over time, the Coalition’s membership expanded to include students, parents, government officials, small business owners, religious leaders, community organizations and local media. The Coalition’s role has also expanded from its original focus on underage drinking to include underage tobacco and marijuana use.
The Coalition is founded on an “Environmental Model” which advocates a three-pronged approach to the issue of underage substance abuse – increased enforcement efforts; limited access to alcohol and other drugs; and community education and attitude changes regarding underage drinking/substance use.
It has made significant advances in changing the culture of underage drinking as a “rite of passage” and enjoys a national reputation for its implementation of evidenced-based practices. The Coalition’s success is directly related to the collaborative efforts of its members, both individuals and organizations, who maintain a strong interest and passion in the Coalition’s mission.
The Coalition’s offices are located at the Family Alcoholism & Chemical Dependency Treatment Services (FACTS) at Long Beach Medical Center. For more information, please contact Patricia Hincken, Executive Director or Judi Vining, Program Coordinator, at 516-897-1250 or click here to visit the Coalition’s website at: www.notaminorproblem.org.
Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking
at Long Beach Medical Center
455 E. Bay Drive
Long Beach, NY 11561
(516) 897-1250