Environmental Approaches
Unlike programs that provide information to individuals or community groups, environmental approaches are evidence-based strategies that aim to change the context (environment) in which substance misuse can occur. Environmental approaches often require the creation of new partnerships, programs, policies and structures so changes can occur.
One example of an environmental change that reduces substance misuse is increasing the availability of medication drop boxes in the community. These boxes make it easier for people to dispose of medications and fewer medications can be potentially misused.
Alcohol Purchase Surveys
Alcohol Purchase Surveys, also known as APS, are used to gather information from businesses to see if they are consistently checking for age identification for alcohol purchases. This requires the coalition to seek the help of a young adult, preferably 21 years of age (who looks that age or younger), to go into the businesses and attempt to buy alcohol. This survey is a way the coalition can help businesses be proactive in preventing underage sales and potentially doing something that could be illegal. It also allows the coalition to provide education to businesses so they can be better about checking ID and to give positive reinforcement to businesses that consistently check ID.
County Fair Park Tobacco Survey
The coalition conducted surveys at the Jefferson County Fair to assess fairgoers opinions about a tobacco free fair park. They found that a large majority of people who answered the survey supported a tobacco free fair park. The coalition took the results and shared them with the Board of Health and other county level policy makers. While the coalition was not successful at changing the county tobacco ordinance to include the fair park, they identified other ways that they could continue to work on this issue.
Information and Training
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- Alcohol Town Hall
- Narcan Training
- Opioid Town Hall
Retail Assessments
Retail assessments allow the coalition to gather information about their local retail environment specifically in the way they price, place, and promote alcohol and tobacco products. Coalition members survey the store and take any photos to record their observations. The survey data is presented to community members in an effort to educate about the strategies that normalize alcohol and tobacco use and make the products more appealing to youth.
Safe Medication Disposal
Medication Drop Box
Each of the Police Departments and the Sheriff’s Department has a medication drop box where residents can drop off their unused and expired medications. Every year, they collect thousands of pounds of medications that might otherwise be disposed of improperly or be misused.
Medication and Prescription Drug Disposal Information (printable, English)
Información del desecho de medicamentos y drogasde (printable, Spanish)
Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits
These bags can be used to dispose of unused or expired medications safely in your household trash and are convenient to use at home. The bags can hold 45 pills, 6 ounces of liquid or 6 patches. The directions are on the back of the bags. If you would like a FREE drug deactivation kit, go to the Jefferson County Health Department. 1541 Annex Rd, Jefferson, WI. 53549. Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Tel: (920) 674-7275.
Drug Take Backs
All law enforcement entities in Jefferson County have medication drop boxes located in their lobbies that are open to the public.
Mini Drug Take Back Events: the coalition will coordinate a drug take back event with law enforcement partners for a community of people who cannot go to a permanent drop box location (ie. Seniors at an independent living facility). If you are interested in having a drug take back event at your location, email the coalition at: JeffCoDFC@gmail.com.
Tobacco Compliance Checks
The Wisconsin WINS program conducts compliance checks throughout the year in Jefferson County in an effort to see how well the retailers are complying with state laws regarding tobacco sales to minors. This program is coordinated by the American Lung Association and the State of Wisconsin.
Youth Survey
- 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Infographic (High School)
- 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Infographic (Middle School)
