Our mission is to prevent and reduce alcohol and drug use among youth by engaging in environmental strategies, programs and activities that create a safe, healthy and drug-free Oceanside community.
In 2015, alarmed by increasing incidences of youth alcohol & substance abuse, Sara Dowler, Oceanside School District Health Teacher, contacted the Long Beach Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking, Inc., for assistance. Oceanside was then able to learn about the Strategic Prevention Framework and environmental prevention strategies once linked with the Long Island Prevention Resource Center (PRC), the Long Island National Guard Counterdrug Task Force & Long Beach Coalition. A joint meeting was held with NYS State Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky, OASAS, the Nassau County Department of Health & Human Services, & the Long Island Prevention Resource Center to discuss steps to address the youth substance abuse issues happening in Oceanside. Shortly after, with the blessing of the School District, Oceanside S.A.F.E. (Substance Abuse Free Environment) Coalition was formed and has been meeting monthly ever since.
The Oceanside S.A.F.E Coalition consists of representatives from our 12 community sector groups. These groups include Local Businesses, Youth, Parents, Media, The Oceanside School District, Youth Serving Organizations, Law Enforcement, Religious/Fraternal Organizations, Civic/Volunteer Groups, Healthcare Professionals, State, Local or Tribal Governmental Agency Representative's, & Organizations involved in reducing substance abuse.
The Oceanside S.A.F.E Coalition follows its mission by:
Over the course of operation, Oceanside S.A.F.E has determined its area of focus in underage drinking and marijuana use by collecting core data in implementing a PRIDE Youth Development Survey. Additional data is continually collected through Focus Group's, Community Survey's and with the help of our local 4th Precinct. Outreach/Awareness efforts have included multiple informational prevention campaign's, community fundraiser's, health and resource fair's, educational workshops for families and district personnel, and much more! The Oceanside School District has also enhanced their prevention curriculum in response to efforts made by representatives of the Coalition.
We look forward to expanding our efforts within the community in the years to come, as we continue to put forth our best efforts to keep Oceanside a SAFE place for our youth.
Help us fund our local initiatives and educational programing.
Visit our Events Page for information about upcoming community programing, provided by our coalition and its partners.
Check out our Resources Page for more information about local resources related to alcohol and substance abuse, and a variety of helpful organizations and websites.
