Community Prevention Programs
The prevention programs in Van Buren County are designed specifically to target substance abuse within the community. These programs, offering help at all ages, are close at hand and readily available for anyone at anytime. Included in these programs are education, awareness, training, and guidance for those experiencing a problem with substance abuse.
STOP Underage Drinking
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded 79 grants of approximately $50,000 each under the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP) Act. Van Buren County is the recipient of one of these grants.
These grants are aimed at preventing underage alcohol use. A total of nearly $16 million was awarded.
"Using the recent Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking as a guide, SAMHSA will encourage existing local community coalitions to develop, assess, and implement effective strategies to prevent and reduce underage drinking," said SAMHSA acting administrator Eric Broderick, D.D.S. "These strategies may include changing local attitudes and norms, and reevaluating existing laws and policies."
Read the STOP Action Plan.
Alcohol Merchant Education Program
This program, put in motion in the fall of 2005, strives to prevent substance abuse among minors by educating local business employees. It offers free training and materials to alcohol merchants, informing them of the consequences of selling to a minor. In exchange for participation, businesses receive free public relations promoting their involvement, as well as a possible drop in insurance costs. Schedule a training.
Merchant Services
The SAFE Coalition can provide materials, trainings, and assistance with policy change to any merchant in Van Buren County. Services are Free and are provided at your convenience. For more information on services available, vew our brochure or contact us at 319-293-6412 319-293-6412 , or email info@vbsafecoalition.com.
Compliance Checks
The Van Buren County Sheriffs' Department in conjunction with the SAFE Coalition perform both Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance checks twice per year. Compliance checks ensure that businesses are complying with the law and checking the ID of anyone who appears to be under the legal age. The ultimate goal of the compliance checks are to keep youth from accessing alcohol from local retail outlets. The community wants to be sure that all merchants are taking action against youth alcohol access.
Alcohol Compliance Check Results (pdf)
Tobacco Compliance Check Results (pdf)
Smoke-Free Air Act
In the spring of 2008, Iowa lawmakers passed legislation to protect employees and the general public. The Smokefree Air Act prohibits smoking in almost all public places and enclosed areas within places of employment, as well as some outdoor areas.
The law applies to: restaurants, bars, outdoor entertainment events and amphitheaters. It also covers places of employment such as office buildings, health care facilities, and child care facilities. Smoking is allowed on the gaming floor of a licensed casino, as well as designated hotel and motel rooms.
For more information about the smoke free air act visit: www.iowasmokefreeair.gov.
Not On Tobacco (NOT)
Not on Tobacco is a cessation program designed to specifically help teens quit the use of tobacco products. This program is offered right here in Van Buren County and has proven highly effective in the past.
***Call 319-293-6412 319-293-6412 for more details.
QuitSmart
QuitSmart is a program specifically designed to help adults quit the use products successfully. This program is also offered right here in Van Buren County and has proven effective as well.
***Call 319-293-6412 319-293-6412 for more details.
Alternative to Suspension
In Van Buren County, if a minor is caught using tobacco products on school property, he/she faces suspension. However, this program offers an alternative to that suspension. The program also works with the local law enforcement, giving minors caught using tobacco products an alternative to the normal punishment.
Keg Registration
On Thursday, April 5, Governor Chet Culver signed into law House File 650, a bill that will require beer kegs purchased in Iowa to be registered with the retail establishments where they are sold. The law, which took effect statewide July 1, 2007, is intended to combat underage drinking by giving law enforcement officials a tool to track the sources of alcohol to minors. Perhaps equally as important, the law serves as a deterrent to adults and social hosts who may otherwise provide kegs of beer to persons under 21. The state's keg registration law preempts county and municipal keg registration ordinances.
http://www.iowaabd.com/alcohol/misc/keg_registration.jsp
