History
Formed in 1997 as the Community Drug Task Force, the Community Coalition for Healthy Youth (CCHY) has worked for nearly 10 years to measurably reduce the incidence of substance abuse among youth. The first co-chairs of the coalition were Ithaca Mayor Allan Cohen and Ithaca City School District Assistant Superintendent Katrina Turek.
To support and expand the work of over 100 volunteers during those first few years, the Drug Task Force applied for and received funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, beginning in the fall of 1999. CCHY has continued to receive federal support ever since, now from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Coordination responsibilities and grant management shifted to the Tompkins County Youth Services Department in 2002, with current leadership from Nancy Zahler, Director.
In 2004 we added a goal to improve school safety and increase student attachment to schools, responding to a community need to reduce the incidence of hurtful behaviors among youth.
Key achievements:
- Local data, collected through school surveys from 1999 - 2005, help to mobilize schools and community groups into action
- Social norms marketing campaigns in DeWitt Middle school has reduced pressure to use alcohol and other drugs
- Local agencies serving youth with drug problems are more effective through coordination and mutual support.
- Prevention programs in the elementary schools improve social skills and reduce bullying behaviors.