Our History
Early 2000s
The Beginning
In the early 2000s, Lyme-Old Lyme experienced an increase in underage drinking parties and risky health behaviors among youth. A group of committed mothers expressed their outrage towards this trend and felt that action needed to be taken. Along with the mothers’ concerns and advocacy, the Lymes’ Public School system and Lymes’ Youth Services Bureau (LYSB) came together to address these issues and began a coalition called the Community Action for Substance-Free Youth (CASFY).
To maintain the mission of the coalition, the creation of by-laws, leadership development, and recruitment of new members and community partners helped solidify the coalition’s prevention efforts.
2009
Growth and Recognition
In 2009, LYSB collaborated with the Child and Family Agency of Southeastern CT (CFA) and was awarded grants from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to implement prevention efforts to reduce underage drinking and marijuana use in youth. Over time, CASFY was awarded more funding to continue to combat youth substance use issues within the community. Some of CASFY’s earliest accomplishments included implementation of a community-wide needs assessment, the collection of youth substance use data, and the identification of priority populations, risk factors, and protective factors.
2018
Evolution to LOLPC
In 2018, CASFY’s name was changed to The Lyme Old Lyme Prevention Coalition (LOLPC). The LOLPC accomplished many things through community partnerships that gradually decreased youth substance use, such as improving the school’s drug and alcohol policies and hosting forums, assemblies, and campaigns on the harms of underage drinking and youth marijuana use. The LOLPC was also dedicated in social marketing campaigns that promote positive behaviors and alternative activities in youth, guidance for parents on how to talk to their children about drugs and alcohol, and partnerships with local retailers to increase compliance with state and federal laws regarding alcohol and tobacco use.
Today
Continued Impact
To date, LOLPC continues its efforts to reduce youth substance use in the community and has been awarded funding from DMHAS and the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) Drug-Free Communities program to increase the coalition’s capacity and by working with other sectors in the community. The LOLPC consists of several community members, ranging from first responders and law enforcement to youth, parents, educators, business owners, and others who share similar goals to the coalition.
Key Accomplishments
Community Engagement
Community-wide needs assessments
Youth substance use data collection
Educational forums and assemblies
Social marketing campaigns
Policy & Partnerships
Improved school drug and alcohol policies
Retailer compliance partnerships
Parent education programs
Multi-sector community collaboration
Get Involved
Join us in our mission to create a healthier, safer community for our youth.
For more information about our programs and how to get involved, please contact us.