Guam's Coalition Progress: Implementing Community-Wide Programs to prevent substance use and abuse.

Guam's coalitions comprise of:

• Oasis Prevention Empowerment Network (OPEN)
• Community Voices Coalition/Community Services & Resources
• Magof Health Coalition
• Sanctuary, Incorporated

The four coalitions are currently implementing programs in Guam’s community include:

Oasis Prevention Empowerment Network (OPEN Coalition) , has been working for the last 2 years to raise awareness of the issues surrounding underage drinking. Oasis Prevention produced Guam Real Stories: Alcohol. This is a culturally relevant prevention tool with local faces, stories and locations. Oasis Prevention is currently conducting outreaches to the 9th grade population island wide. We work with public and private schools to reach our goal of reaching 2000 9th graders by June 2010. Our outreaches consist of showing the DVD and engaging youth in honest discussion on the topic of underage drinking. Oasis Prevention also started OPEN Youth which teaches cinematography to teens. This video production class is geared around teen's life on Guam and the issues of underage drinking- from their perspective.  For more information contact, Jubilee Estes at 671- 646-4601. View the teaser.

Community Voices Coalition/Community Services & Resources, Inc. is implementing the evidence-based program, Strengthening Hawaii Families/Strengthening Families Program, that CSR adapted to reflect Guam's island communities and cultures and refer to the program as "Strengthening Island Families" (SIF). The SIF curriculum was modified to an 11-week series engaging youth and adults in family-focused, community-based activities to address the prevention of alcohol and tobacco use among the target groups. During Year 1, there were approximately 393 youth and adults participating in five groups islandwide; Year 2 will focus on reaching out to two community groups. For more information contact Marie Auyong at csr@teleguam.net or (671) 479-1277.

Magof Health Coalition is currently implementing the evidence based prevention program entitled “Team Awareness T4T”.  It is a workplace training program to prevent substance abuse; promote team building, stress management, communication skills, and drug- free work place policy. For more information, contact Greg Hidalgo at 671-649-9561 or 671- 688-4827. Visit: http://palmguam.multiply.com.

Sanctuary, Incorporated is implementing the “Project ALERT” program to positively impact our youth, their families and community by conducting a weekly closed group for youth between the ages of 12 to 17.  Train facilitators are conducting group sessions.  For more information, contact Sarah Thomas Nededog at 671-475-7101, Visit:  http://www.sanctuaryguam.org.