Welcome!

Our coalition represents agencies, schools, government, businesses, and concerned citizens in Ithaca and Tompkins County, all working to reduce substance abuse and violence among middle and high school youth through the use of effective, evidence-based programs and practices.

Raising teenagers today is full of challenges and rewards. This website offers information about local resources, advice for families, information for teens, NY laws on underage drinking, excellent web links, and more. Take a look around and consider signing up to stay in touch at Contact Us.

Upcoming events:

In the News:

Over 900 families of graduating high school students from all six of the publicschool districts in Tompkins County will receive letters this week, urging them to provide celebrations that are fun, chaperoned, and alcohol-free.

The letters are signed by four community leaders: the student’s high school principal, District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson, Amanda Verba, President of the Community Coalition for Healthy Youth, and Nancy Zahler, Director of the Tompkins County Youth Services Department.

Click here to read the letter.  Click here for a sample contract between youth and parents/guardians.
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Check out the Summary of Highlights from 2007 Student Life and Culture Survey, showing data for over 2200 ICSD students about substance use, school climate and life outside of school. 

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Acting U.S. Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu's Call to Action on Underage Drinking

Free brochures and booklets:

Click here to send us an e-mail with your name and address and we can send you free materials.

What to do about an underage drinking party:

Do you know of a party where underage youth are drinking? Does this worry you?   You can call the NY State Police at 1-866-UNDER21 to make an anonymous report for any "field" party or "house" party or instance of someone purchasing alcohol for use by a minor. The NY State Police will contact local law enforcement to check it out.

For more information on what the laws are in New York, go to Know the Law.

Store and Bar Compliance Report:

Click here for recent reports from the NY State Police on stores and bars they’ve checked to see if they allowed minors to purchase alcohol.