What We Do
Overview
DADPP implements evidence – based environmental strategies that make a positive impact on youth in the Southern Dallas area. Environmental strategies are aimed at population-level change and seek to:
- Limit youth access to alcohol and dangerous drugs
- Change the culture and contexts within which decisions about substances are made
- Reduce the prevalence of negative consequences associated with substance use
These environmental strategies create community-wide change by challenging perceptions and increasing alcohol and drug awareness.
DADPP meets virtually on the third Tuesday of every month at 2:00 PM. Our meetings are open and we always welcome new faces. Contact us for the meeting link.
Activities and Strategies
Trainings and Conferences
The coalition offers various training opportunities, webinars, and conferences as needed to increase professional education and development.
- Ahead of the Curve Annual Conference: One day training in May for counselors and educators to keep abreast of drug trends and recent prevention and intervention research
- Need professional development for your staff or community? Contact us!
Prescription Drug Take Back Initiatives
Over two-thirds of youth who abuse prescription drugs attain them from family and friends. Prompt and proper disposal of your unused and expired medication is important to keeping our community safe.
- The coalition partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement twice a year to host National Prescription Drug Take Back events throughout the city. Community members are encouraged to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication for free and with no questions asked at the collection sites. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is usually held once in October and once in April.
- The coalition works with police departments to install permanent drug collection boxes available for the public year round.
Red Ribbon Week
The coalition partners with area schools, agencies and coalitions to educate students, teachers and the community on the harms, risks, and consequences associated with using and abusing alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Media Campaigns
The coalition conducts media campaigns seasonally.
- Previous campaigns have targeted prescription drug abuse and drugged driving. Photos of these media campaigns can be found on our Facebook page.
- Social norms: The coalition also works with schools to correct misconceptions about drug use. Namely, when it comes to drugs, not everyone is trying it! Contact us to find out more information on implementing a school-wide campaign at your campus.
Data Collection
- Community Surveys
- Focus Groups
Meetings with Stakeholders & Community Leaders
Coalition members and staff schedule regular meetings with key community stakeholders to educate them about substance use in our community and the efforts of the coalition.
