Stop underage drinking in taylor - the stop underage drinking in taylor will work to prevent and reduce alcohol use among youth and young adults ages 12 to 20 in taylor, MI

The program will continue to build on strategic planning processes that were developed under a drug free communities (DFC) award using the strategic prevention framework model which addresses underage drinking behaviors while focusing on the GAP in needs of lgbtq youth. The program goals are to establish and strengthen collaboration among community stakeholders and organizations to apply/adapt evidence-based practices that reduce alcohol use among lgbtq+ youth; reduce alcohol use and misuse among youth by applying/adapting evidence-based efforts to address risk factors, protective factors, and disparities among lgbtq+ youth in our community. Serious health, social, and economic problems result from the use of alcohol by youth. Underage drinking is a causal factor in a host of serious problems, including homicide, suicide, traumatic injury, drowning, burns, violent and property crime, high risk SEX, fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol poisoning, and need for treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence. According to the 2022 state of michigan report on underage drinking the average age of first use of alcohol was 16.4 years of age. In the city of taylor, the average age of first use was 13 years of age. Over half of lgbtq youth (56%) used alcohol in the last year, including 47% of lgbtq youth under the age of 21. Research indicates that lgbtq students, nationally, within michigan, and in the target community of taylor, are at risk for substance abuse, physical violence and experience a negative school environment more frequently than their non-lgbtq peers. They are at an increased risk of substance use disorder, suicide, school drop-out, homelessness, violence and involvement with law enforcement and incarceration. Risk and protective factors also tend to have a cumulative effect on development-or reduced development-of behavioral health issues. Youth with multiple risk factors have a greater probability of developing conditions that might impact their physical or mental health; young people with multiple protective factors are at a reduced risk of these conditions. Stop will use a task force and a youth coalition to create a safe, inclusive, affirming environment where lgbtq+ youth can connect with peers, build leadership skills, and take care of their mental and physical health. Factors were identified that can help improve outcomes for lgbtq+ youth. As part of the action plan, the task force will address lgbtq+ - related stigma, discrimination, and violence through education offerings to school administrators, building staff and school district support staff. Building on the strengths of lgbtq+ youth-creating safe spaces for them to gather and create activities for their community to build a support system that fosters expression and growth. The program will implement activities that support capacity building while using evidence-based community approaches, enhancing collaboration, cooperation, and coordination among communities by assembling town halls. Lastly stop will work to create a safe community with affirming environments in schools, stores, restaurants, and other locations in the community cultivating positive relationships and acceptance.